Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD announced on 22 December 2025 that Mayo County Council has instructed its engineering consultants to commence the detailed design (Stage 3) for the €55 million Ballina Flood Relief Scheme. The scheme aims to protect 297 properties, including 228 residential and family homes, from flooding, with the design informed by extensive public engagement to ensure community needs are addressed.
The announcement follows planning approval for the scheme granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála on 17 October 2025. The planning submission included a detailed engineering analysis, environmental assessments, and public consultation on flooding sources from Ballina’s rivers and potential protective options. Additionally, a Marine Area Consent was obtained from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) as part of the planning process.
Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, welcomed the progression to detailed design, noting the scheme’s significance for Ballina. The council, as the principal response agency for flood events, has dealt with repeated flooding in the town, which has hindered development along the river. Completion of the flood relief scheme is expected to facilitate housing and commercial developments while providing vital protection for properties and public infrastructure.
Ballina is prone to flooding from the River Moy and its tributaries due to riverbank overflow and wall seepage. Following the government’s introduction of Flood Risk Management Plans in 2018, Mayo County Council, funded by the Office of Public Works (OPW), appointed RPS engineering and environmental consultants to design the scheme. The planned works include the construction of flood defence walls, embankments, and culvert upgrades along the River Moy and its tributaries, including the Quignamanger, Bunree, Brusna, Tullyegan, and Knockanelo rivers.
Minister Moran highlighted that the government is investing €94 million in flood risk management across Mayo, with Ballina being one of three major flood relief schemes in the county. Other projects include a €2 million scheme in Westport protecting 36 properties and a €34 million scheme at Crossmolina, currently under construction, which will protect 116 properties. Funding for these measures comes from the National Development Plan, with all designs future-proofed to address increasing flood risks from climate change.
In addition to the major schemes, the OPW has approved approximately €2.3 million for Mayo County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, supporting localised flood relief works across 37 other locations in the county.
