Raphoe Flood Relief Scheme – Public Consultation Notice

Raphoe Flood Relief Scheme (Scheme Reference: DPE63-008-2023)

Pursuant to Section 7B(3)(b) of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 as amended, the Commissioners of Public Works submitted the Raphoe Flood Relief Scheme to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for confirmation in May 2023. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and AA screening report have been prepared by the Commissioners for Public Works in respect of the proposed Drainage Scheme.

The Minister saw fit to request supplementary information under Section 7B(4) of the Arterial Drainage Act (as amended). Supplementary information was received from the OPW on the 20th of June 2025 which contains significant additional information in relation to the effects on the environment of the scheme. A public consultation is being held under the Arterial Drainage Act.

Members of the public are invited to make submissions in respect of these consultations by means of the methods mentioned in this notification. These submissions will be considered by the Minster and will inform his decision under Section 7E of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 (as amended).

Submissions can be made in writing at any time during the period 13th February to 20th March 2026 using one of the following methods:

By e-mail to: raphoefrsconsultation@per.gov.ie

By post to: OPW Vote Section (Room -1.04), Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 R583.

All submissions should include your name, postal address, contact details (such as a telephone number or e-mail address) and details of any organisation being represented.

A copy of the scheme documentation including the application, a map of the scheme, the environmental reports (Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Screening for AA) relating to the scheme and the additional information submitted to the Department will be available for inspection at Raphoe Heritage Centre, Volt House Raphoe, Co. Donegal.

Decision on Scheme:

Following the expiry of the consultation period and taking into account submissions made, it is open to the Minister to:

A) make an order confirming the scheme,

B) refuse to confirm the scheme, or

C) refer the scheme back to the Commissioners for revision in specified aspects.

It is intended to publish, on the Government’s website, the final outcome of the Minister’s decision.

Description of Works:

The proposed Raphoe Flood Relief Scheme will include primary measures which will involve the construction of two open diversion channels with clay embankments, one to the north and one to the west of Raphoe town. The secondary measures would include road reprofiling and intercepting overland flow with new gullies, upgrading/creating new ditches, storm drainage network upgrades, a new headwall/trash screen and native woodland planting. The scheme will also allow for its future maintenance.

Please note that it is intended to publish, on the Government’s website, all submissions received. This will include your full name but your postal address and contact details will not be published. Submissions received are also subject to the Freedom of Information Acts and may be accessed on foot of third party consultations.

The areas which the scheme relate include:

Aghnakeeragh

Common

Coolaghy Glebe

Difflin

Gort Glebe

Gort Glebe (Cocladerry)

Gortaquigley

Gortnesk

Habbitstown

Magheraboy

Magherahaan

Magherasolis

Oakfield Demesne

Raphoe Demesne

Raphoe Townparks

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