Members of Clare County Council and the construction team have visited the site of the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme at Clonlara to celebrate a major milestone.

Visiting the site on Friday 20 July, Mr Patrick O'Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, was joined by partners OPW and Byrne Looby and Partners to mark the beginning of construction.

The scheme will provide protection for 18 properties in the area, and involves the construction of a flood protection embankment, land raising, penstock / sluice, pump station and associated works at the townlands of Springfield, Cappavilla North, Cottage and Illaunyregan, Clonlara, Co Clare. A Natura Impact Statement together with plans and particulars relating to the application was submitted to An Bord Pleanala, with planning permission being granted in November 2020 under Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.

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The works will be carried out directly by the Office of Public Works staff and are expected to be substantially complete in 2022.

The Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr P J Ryan welcomed the announcement of funding for the scheme by the Minister and thanked the OPW for their continued commitment to provision of flood relief schemes and coastal protection infrastructure in County Clare.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Mr Pat Dowling added: "Clare County Council is delighted for the residents of Springfield who have suffered for so long from flooding to their homes and property and would like to thank them for their continued help and assistance throughout this process."