Millions to be spent to protect Louth properties from flooding following Storm Chandra
Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has provided an update on the flood relief schemes planned for the county
Millions of euro will be spent to protect properties in County Louth from flooding, following the widespread damage caused by Storm Chandra.
Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran provided an update on the flood relief schemes planned for the county in response to a recent parliamentary question submitted by Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan.
Deputy McGreehan requested an update on the planned schemes, as well as the Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú asked for an update on planned shorter term flood mitigation measures.
In response to the two TDs, Minister Moran outlined the flood relief schemes planned for the county.
Minister Moran said: “In 2019, the Bellurgan Flood Relief Scheme was completed and is protecting 35 properties from significant flood risk.
“The Office of Public Works (OPW) is funding 6.5 staff in Louth County Council who lead the delivery of five flood relief schemes at Dundalk/Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford/ Greenore, Baltray and Ardee.
“The Government has committed funding to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan.”
He highlighted the Dundalk/Blackrock South scheme, which aims to protect some 1,880 properties in the area.
“Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. When I visited Blackrock in December last year, I discussed the options for Blackrock.
“The emerging options for Blackrock were presented to the public in March 2026 and the emerging options for Dundalk are due to be presented to the public at the end of this month.
“The preferred options for the scheme are expected later in the year with planning consent submitted in 2028.”
Meanwhile, Minister Moran noted that the combined Drogheda and Baltray Scheme will look to protect a further 425 properties.
Engineering and environmental consultants for that scheme were appointed in September 2021, with emerging options set to be presented to the public later this year.
A preferred option is expected to be selected by the end of the year, with a planning application to be submitted in 2027.
Minister Moran went on to say that the OPW has also approved €339,480 to protect 30 properties in Ardee.
Work in the area is expected to be completed by Louth County Council by the end of this year.
He continued by highlighting a number of works that are planned for other parts of the county.
“Louth County Council and the OPW are reviewing requirements for a brief to procure engineering and environmental consultants for the Carlingford and Greenore Scheme.
“In the interim, the council is assessing areas where works could improve the conveyance characteristics.
“The OPW approved €27,685 in April 2025 for improved conveyance works at Brown’s Lane/Newry Street that are now complete.
“Further funding of €924,636 was approved by OPW in March 2026 for an upgrade to the Carlingford Watercourse Culvert.”
Minister Moran also outlined the engagement his Department has had with Louth County Council in the aftermath of Storm Chandra.
“Following Storm Chandra in late January this year, I met with the Chief Executive of Louth County Council and other members of the council's senior management team on March 2 to discuss potential interim measures that could be introduced over the coming months, to protect against any future event.
“The council has recently submitted a business case which is being reviewed by my office. I hope, shortly, to inform Louth County Council of the outcome of this review.”
He concluded by saying that since 2009, €1.9 million worth of funding has been provided to Louth County Council for various flood relief projects.
Minister Moran added that he will soon announce a new set of criteria for flood relief schemes, which will reduce limits to funding access for local authorities.