Cavan Flood relief options to be unveiled
The Cavan Town Flood Relief Scheme is set to be progressed, with emerging engineering options expected to be unveiled in the third quarter of 2026, followed by a public consultation day towards the end of 2026.
The update was provided by Minister of State, Kevin Boxer Moran, in response to a parliamentary question from Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fáil Deputy, Brendan Smith.
The local TD had sought details on cross-border cooperation on flooding and drainage issues and measures to address persistent flooding problems in Cavan linked to the River Erne.
The flood relief scheme, being delivered by Cavan County Council in partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW), is designed to protect 110 properties in the Cavan Town area and its environs.
Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in May 2022, and a steering group comprising representatives from the council and the OPW continues to oversee the project's development through monthly meetings.
The Erne Catchment has been jointly assessed under the OPW's Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. According to the Minister, studies found that increasing the River Erne's conveyance capacity in Northern Ireland would have little effect on water levels in the Republic, indicating that such works would not significantly reduce flood risk in Cavan.
As such, cross-border engagement continues through the National Floods Directive Coordination Group, which has met 13 times since November 2018, most recently on July 2, 2026, with a further meeting planned during the fourth quarter of this year.
The OPW is currently funding the equivalent of 1.5 staff members within Cavan County Council to advance flood relief projects throughout the county.
Beyond the Cavan Town scheme, the Minister highlighted continued investment in local flood mitigation. Since 2009, the OPW has approved more than €518,000 for 11 flood mitigation projects in Cavan under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
This includes €55,264 approved in April 2025 for interim flood alleviation works at Pollamore, where a temporary floodplain storage area has now been completed to help delay flood peaks affecting the downstream business park.
The Minister also confirmed the recent allocation of €70,000 in once-off funding to Cavan County Council to remove river conveyance blockages across the county, helping to improve water flow and reduce localised flood risks.