Written Answers. - Flood Relief.
Tony Gregory
Question:
265
Mr. Gregory
asked the
Minister for Finance
if the Office of Public Works will arrange to clear material blocking the flow of the River Tolka at the bridge (details supplied) just on the demarcation line set for flood alleviation measures.
[15247/03]
Tony Gregory
Question:
267
Mr. Gregory
asked the
Minister for Finance
the reason the final report into the required flood alleviation measures on the River Tolka was not made available during May 2003; and the response of the engineers to the specific concerns of residents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15250/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 267 together.
The full report on the River Tolka flooding study, which is being funded by the Office of Public Works, is being carried out by consultants employed by Dublin City Council as part of the greater Dublin strategic drainage study. The final report was, initially, expected to be completed in May. However, as the consultants were heavily involved in producing interim reports for the three local authorities concerned – Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Meath County Council – and also preparing the design of the interim measures being undertaken, it was not possible to meet that deadline. The consultants have now provided a draft technical report which is being studied by the councils and the Office of Public Works. While that report is being studied, the consultants will complete a cost-benefit analysis on the recommended scheme and will also carry out an evaluation of the issues raised in third-party submissions. A draft final report is scheduled for completion before the end of July.
As the Deputy will be aware, not all of the recommendations contained in the interim report on flood alleviation measures on the River Tolka were included in the proposed works, which Dublin City Council exhibited in January and February this year. That was due to the considerable time it would have taken to implement proposals requiring site investigations and detailed design as well as the environmental considerations involved. Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works were also very mindful of the fact that the full report on the River Tolka catchment is due to be completed shortly, which should provide additional information on what further decisions can be made.
The recommendations in the report dealing with Distillery Weir and Distillery Road Bridge were not included in the proposed works as exhibited by Dublin City Council and could not, therefore, have been included in the schedule of works as provided by the consultants. The construction of a combination of reinforced retaining walls and embankments at various areas along Botanic Avenue is being carried out in accordance with instructions received from the council. The construction of all embankments in this area along the Tolka is designed to retain flood waters and is being completed in accordance with the specification provided.
In the days following the flood of November 2002, the Office of Public Works was approached by Dublin City Council to carry out emergency works to ensure the stability of houses on Tolka Road. That work, and all associated reinstatement work, has now been completed in accordance with instructions received from the council.
The removal of tree trunks from the river just below the Botanic Gardens was not contained in the proposed works as publicly exhibited and, therefore, did not form part of the schedule of interim works. Following discussions with Botanic Gardens personnel it is intended to remove that material when construction work is being completed in the immediate area later in the summer.
