designed to provide maximum protection for people and their homes while at the same
time having minimal impact on the existing environment
The 16km Morell River, near Naas in County Kildare, is a tributary of the River Liffey. It runs from Slieveroe, through Naas, Johnstown and Straffan, where it meets the River Liffey. Its tributaries include the Hartwell, Haynestown, Slane and Kill Rivers.
Over the years, the Morell River and its tributaries have been responsible for serious flooding events in the townlands of Killeenmore, Turnings, Ballyhays, Sherlockstown, Tuckmilltown, Blackchurch and Killeen, resulting in significant damages to property and businesses.
Now, Kildare County Council, with the support of the OPW, is leading the €11 million Morell River Flood Management Scheme (FMS) to protect homes and businesses from flooding. The scheme is being designed to provide maximum protection for people and their homes while at the same time having minimal impact on the existing environment.
Press Release
Approval from An Bord Pleanála
Kildare County Council received Approval from An Bord Pleanála for the Morell Flood Management Scheme on the 27th April 2018.
The Scheme comprises of:
Construction is expected to commence this summer and works will be undertaken over the next three years. The scheme will be constructed by the Office of Public Works, who are also the funding authority.
The Morell River catchment in County Kildare has been subject to serious recurring flooding in past two decades, resulting in significant damages to property and businesses. When completed, the Morell Flood Management Scheme will positively affect the people of the area who have suffered from the significant flooding in previous years.
To read An Bord Pleanála’s Report visit www.pleanala.ie/casenum/JA0042
Kildare County Council’s project team, including RPS Consulting Engineers, identified a number of preferred options for flood protection within the catchment. Each option was considered against a range of technical, social, environmental and economic criteria to determine the optimum solution.
Non-statutory public consultation undertaken by Kildare County Council.
Application for planning consent, including Environmental Reports, submitted to An Bord Pleanála.
Statutory public consultation for six weeks from 15th September to 26th October 2017.
Planning granted by An Bord Pleanála.
A judicial review of the planning decision was sought by a landowner.
Agreement was reached for the withdrawal of the judicial review.
Subject to completing baseline environmental surveys, construction will begin.
Construction continues.
Construction continues.
Expected completion date when homes, businesses and amenities within the scheme outline will be protected from flooding under the Morell Flood Management Scheme, providing work commences in summer 2020.