Public Consultation - Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme Maintenance Works

Statutory Consultation on proposed works by the OPW as required under Section 42 (6) and (8) of the EU (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended.

Ref: 22/2025 AA Screening and Natura Impact Statement for the Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme Maintenance Works, Co. Tipperary.

The OPW (as the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland) has statutory responsibility for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, as amended.

The Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme was completed in 2013 and has had only minor maintenance carried out since. Substantial maintenance works is now required to ensure the scheme remains in effective condition. The maintenance works would be classed a routine maintenance to ensure conveyance within the river channels and minor repairs to flood defences.

The proposed works will be carried out under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995.

The maintenance activities on the Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme will include:

• Channel maintenance

- Silt and vegetation management in rivers & streams

- Weir maintenance

- Removal of fallen trees

- Clearing trash screens

- Clearing fish passes

- Clearing manholes & gullies

- Aquatic vegetation cutting

- Brush cutting/branch trimming

- Tree cutting

• Bridge maintenance
• Embankment maintenance (mulching & mowing)
• Fencing repairs
• Penstock inspection & maintenance
• Boat Inspections of flap valves, inline valves and tideflex valves

In accordance with Section 42 (6) and (8) of the EU (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended, the OPW are now required to carry out an appropriate assessment of the implications of the proposed works, alone and in combination with other plans and projects, on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site in view of its conservation objectives.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement for the Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme Maintenance Works, Co. Tipperary, has been prepared in respect of these proposed works and is available to view or download at the link provided below.

The OPW now invites submissions and observations from the public relating to the likely significant effects of the proposed works on the following European Sites, if carried out:

- Lower River Suir SAC [002137]

The OPW shall have regard to any submissions or observations received during this public consultation when arriving at a decision. The OPW will also consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. Public consultation forms an important part of advancing the consideration of the environmental impacts associated with these works and allows the involvement of the public in developing a better outcome for the associated Natura Site.

Submissions will be accepted from Tuesday 15th July 2025 to Tuesday 26th August 2025 at 5pm.

Submissions will not be accepted outside the consultation period.

You can make a submission via email: please email your submission to nis@opw.ie and clearly include “Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme Maintenance Works” in the subject title.