A €5.2 million flood relief scheme which will protect 21 homes from significant flooding in the Springfield area of County Clare has been successfully completed.

The scheme was designed by Ayesa with construction work carried out directly by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The project, completed in partnership between the OPW and Clare County Council, consisted of the construction of an 850m long flood defence embankment across the floodplain at Cappavilla North and Illaunyregan, a pumping station, culverts with sluice gates, together with land raising at Cottage and associated drainage, fencing and storage works.

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Moran TD, welcomed the completion of the new scheme: "I am delighted to be here today in Springfield to officially mark the completion of the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme, which now forms part of a group of 56 completed flood relief schemes that are protecting some 13,600 properties nationwide. This is part of some €120m investment in flood relief schemes and measures across Clare. This includes for schemes completed in Ennis, Sixmilebridge and now Springfield and schemes underway for Shannon Town & Environs, Kilkee, Bunratty and Kilrush. In addition to funding large flood relief schemes in Co Clare, the OPW has provided funding of €3.9 million under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for some 43 projects across the county."

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Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, added: "I welcome the official opening of this flood relief scheme. This development is a boost to residents and businesses that have been badly affected by the severe flooding in the Springfield area in recent years. I would like to thank the Minister and the Office of Public Works for their investment in flood protection infrastructure in this project and throughout the county over the years."

The Springfield Flood Relief Scheme is part of the Government's strategy under Project Ireland 2040 to make Ireland a better country for all and to build a more resilient and sustainable future. The scheme has been funded through the Government's 2030 National Development Plan with €1.3 billion for flood relief measures, including from the impacts of climate change through future-proofed, adaptable flood relief schemes.