DART+ West may lead to more flooding, concerned Kildare resident claims

Flooding in a northern Kildare region has been highlighted by a local resident.

Patrick Comerford has shown the Leinster Leader examples of severe flooding following the heavy rain that afflicted the Ballycurraghan area over the weekend of July 22 and July 23 last.

Mr Comerford claimed that he is concerned that such flooding will only be exacerbated with the proposed development of the DART+ West, between Kilcock and Maynooth.

He further claimed that Gheel Autism services buildings in Ballycurraghan and a section of the M4 will be 'severely impacted' by flooding if the development goes ahead according to current plans.

Mr Comerford added: "I understand the need for such a development, but I have concerns over the details of the development.

"It seems like the developers are trading one type of infrastructure for another, and I also feel that the general public is not being made aware of the potential implications of the development. The station would be better situated in Kilcock," Mr Comerford said.

He also said that he has submitted an objection to An Bord Pleanála regarding the development, and he has raised the issue with Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy.

Picture supplied by Patrick Comerford. In a letter to Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy, he alleged that 'a considerable section' of the M4 would be rendered impassible in the region of 5 kilometres, if the development is allowed to continue as planned.

In the letter, which has been seen by the Leader, he tells Ms Murphy TD: "I heard you speak about this matter in the Dáil and I agree fully with your views.

"I thought you might be interested in the attached photo prepared by the DART+ West engineers to show the likely scenario in the event of flooding at Jackson's Bridge and surrounding areas in a climate change scenario. This photo is taken directly from the DART+ West Planning application and the projected flooding will be extensive."

He alleged: "The photo also clearly shows that Gheel Autism buildings in Ballycurraghan and its residents will be flooded, and there is no provision to defend or protect these vulnerable people in this planning application. You will note from the photo which is the post-development climate change scenario at Jackson’s Bridge that a considerable section of the M4 is impassible in the region of 5 kilometres.”

Mr Comerford also asked: "Why in a spend of over €1 billion are the government not doing anything to prepare for this projection and help these people?"

Another photograph showing flooding at the lane to Ballycuraghan, which was provided by Patrick Comerford. This photograph was included in his objection to the development, which was sent to An Bord Pleanála.

Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail was asked by the Leinster Leader to comment on the matter.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said: "DART+ West is part of the DART+ Programme, and through a series of investments in infrastructure, fleet and a new depot, increase peak passenger capacity from 5,000 to 13,200 passengers per hour per direction and increase train frequency between Maynooth and M3 Parkway and Dublin City: facilitating fast, frequent and reliable transport to the surrounding communities.

"The site-specific flood risk assessment (SSFRA) for DART+ West has considered flood risk within the subject area including the lands between Jackson’s Bridge and Kilcock. The assessment has concluded that flooding can be appropriately managed at these locations."

The spokesperson continued: "Furthermore, the level for level compensatory storage areas have been designed to control flood waters in extreme weather events up to the 1-in -1000 year event (and climate change).

"It should be noted that the depth of excavation required varies and that the excavation of higher areas will not result in a higher flood level at that location."

They added: "The compensatory storage shall ensure that there is no increased risk of flooding upstream or downstream outside of the lands acquired, in all events up to and including the 1 in 1000 year event (and climate change).

"An Bord Pleanála are currently considering the Railway Order application for DART+ West, and have indicated that they will make a decision by December 2023."

"They will consider all submissions made in reaching this decision, and may decide to undertake an oral hearing to assist in that process," the spokesperson concluded.