180. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of all flood relief schemes in County Clare, including the funding allocated, expenditure to date, estimated completion dates and current stage of delivery. [53845/26]

The OPW currently has an extensive programme of flood risk management work underway across County Clare in conjunction with Clare County Council (CCC).

CCC are leading the delivery of three flood relief schemes, in the townlands of Kilkee, Shannon and Bunratty. These schemes are funded by the OPW from the Government's €1.3bn investment in flood measures and will provide protection to over 1,500 properties.

The Springfield Flood Relief Scheme was completed in August 2025 and the Ennis Lower and South flood relief schemes were completed in 2021. Along with the Ennis Upper and Sixmilebridge scheme, they are providing protection to over 1,887 properties and an economic benefit in damages and losses avoided, estimated to be in the region of €326m within the River Basin District.

The Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme has moved to Stage 3 where detailed design for the construction of the scheme is being progressed following granting of planning approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025. In addition to the planning approval, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) will be required for the Scheme. CCC are currently preparing a CPO application, and it is envisaged that it will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in Q3 2026. Construction is due to begin in late 2027/early 2028 with construction of the Scheme due to be completed in Q4 2029. The project budget is €8.5 million and to date some €1.2 million has been spent.

The Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme is currently at Stage I Preliminary Design. A value engineering review has been carried out to consider the design solution and potential cost savings for the Scheme.  An emerging Option has been identified and the Options report will be progressed and finalised in Q3 2026.  An Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Scheme is expected to be completed in Q1 2027 with planning consent currently programmed to be sought in Q2 2027. Construction is programmed to begin in Q3 2029 with completion in Q3 2032. The project budget is currently €40.8 million but is expected to increase following finalisation and approval of the Scheme’s Options Report. To date some €2.4 million has been spent.

The Bunratty Flood Relief Scheme is currently being progressed by Clare County Council. The OPW, as part of their update to the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment maps identified a potential flow path in Bunratty that has the possibility to increase the number of risk receptors originally identified under the CFRAM programme. Further consideration of this matter is underway prior to advancing a feasibility study for the scheme.

Separate to the main flood relief schemes, Clare County Council is managing localised flood and coastal risks through the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, including for Kilrush.  Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €3.9 million to county Clare for some 44 projects.