Written answer
Flood Risk Management
Flood-relief options for Shannon are under review, with a preferred option expected by year-end 2026; Clare County Council may seek funding for interim measures.
79. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on plans to develop flood mitigating measures in the vicinity of Shannon town and Shannon Airport in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74786/26]
Comment on this
Shannon Town and its Environs are at risk of flooding from both coastal and fluvial (stream/river) sources. The main sources of coastal flooding risk are wave water overtopping of the embankment crest driven by strong winds during high tide periods and also through any potential breaches of the embankments. The main sources of fluvial flooding risk are the inadequate capacities of the existing drainage systems (surface water channels/culverts and pumping systems) and limited outflow capacities of the tidally affected outfall systems
The design options for the Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief works are being progressed to protect 1,400 properties, including 1,237 residential and 163 commercial properties. A Value Engineering Review Workshop was held in January 2026 to consider all potential options for the Scheme. Meetings with the National Parks and Wildlife Services are also informing the potential options.
An additional Public Consultation Day took place in Q3 2026 where the emerging preferred Option was presented to the public, prior to the submission of a planning application.
On completion of the review and the feedback from the public consultation day, an emerging preferred option will be agreed by the project Steering Group, with the final report expected at the end of 2026. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Scheme is projected to be completed by Q2 2027.
Clare County Council can apply to the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to introduce any interim measures for Shannon Town, pending the completion of the scheme. I announced revisions to the scheme in May that increased the scope of this scheme, that now provides funding of up to €2m and an OPW contribution of 95% for funding amounts greater than €300,000.