OPW maps highlight future Oranmore flood risk

FEARS about the future risk of flooding in Oranmore were described as “scary” after new Office of Public Works (OPW) mapping identified areas that could be vulnerable.

The issue arose following an OPW submission to Galway County Council as part of discussions on a proposed variation to the County Development Plan.

The submission noted that a number of residential lands in Oranmore and Garraun could be at potential risk of flooding in the mid-range and high-end future scenarios.

Fine Gael Cllr Peter Feeney said the future flood projections shown on the OPW maps were “scary” and added that, based on the information available, “we wouldn’t build any more there.”

Independent Ireland Cllr Declan Geraghty questioned what preventative measures the OPW is taking and said action should be taken now rather than later.

Cllr Tomás Ó Curraoín (Rep SF) said he had been “harping on” about flooding concerns in Oranmore for 17 years.

He pointed to coastal protection works, such as rock armour in Spiddal, as an example of what can be delivered and criticised the 2030 timeline for planned flood defence measures.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Regan said the Tesco Shopping Centre in Oranmore is at risk under the modelling projections, while Cllr Geraldine Donohue (Ind) said there is currently no visible “spade and shovel” work in sight.

The OPW noted that physical changes may have occurred since the preparation of the flood maps under the National CFRAM Programme and a map review has been completed for Oranmore.

Their submission referenced lands proposed for rezoning from Open Space/Recreation and Amenity to Town Centre and said they fall within the mid-range and high-end future flood scenarios.

Council officials acknowledged that the future scenario maps present a “scary situation” because they incorporate projected climate change impacts.

Officials explained that Flood Zones A and B represent areas at highest risk and are not suitable for development.

They added that the council will rely on the most up-to-date OPW mapping and guidance when finalising zoning decisions and noted the OPW submissions.

Councillors heard that rainfall intensity has increased in recent years and that groundwater flooding remains particularly difficult to predict.

Chief Executive Liam Conneally stated that the first two development plans he was involved in were prepared without flood risk mapping.

“We were going in blind,” he said.

“Now we have forewarning and forecasting in relation to flood risk areas and we are empowered by that information.

“The A, B and C flood zones are clear and we are in a position of strength not to make the mistakes of the past. The information is adequate for what we need to do today.”

■ Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: Chief Executive Liam Conneally