Following the allocation of funding by the Office of Public Works, Cork County Council appointed consultants in February 2011 to carry out a Study aimed at bringing forward proposals for a flood relief scheme for Skibbereen. The process of establishing the most appropriate solution from the technical, social, environmental and economic perspectives, from the range of potential mitigation options requires detailed technical analysis and extensive consultation with stakeholders. Timelines for the various stages are difficult to predict with accuracy, particularly given the range of issues that can arise. The Study has been progressing satisfactorily, with two public information days held in the town as part of the consultation process, the first on 23 March 2011 and the second on 25 January, 2012. These public consultations have helped to inform the development of a preferred option for the scheme which is now emerging.
It was envisaged at the commencement of the Study that the emerging scheme would be brought through the planning process by Cork County Council under the Planning and Development Regulations. However, it has recently been agreed that the scheme should be progressed by the Council as OPW's agents using the Arterial Drainage Acts.
The proposed scheme will, therefore, be brought forward by means of formal Public Exhibition under the Arterial Drainage Acts. It is expected that the Exhibition will take place in the latter half of 2012. This is in line with the schedule outlined at the second public information day. Subject to a successful exhibition, the scheme will be progressed through detailed design and the procurement process for a civil works contractor. The scheme will then be submitted for Confirmation under the Arterial Drainage Acts to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. It is envisaged that this will be in the second half of 2013.
In relation to minor works, Cork County Council was allocated funding of €10,000 under OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme in 2011 for some cleaning works on the River Ilen. A further application for funding for cleaning works was submitted by the Council in 2012 and is currently being considered in the light of the current criteria and the availability of resources for flood risk management, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
