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Flood Prevention Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Questions (290)

Gerald Nash

Question:

290. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action the Office of Public Works will take to permanently deal with the persistent flooding threat posed in Northlands, Bettystown, County Meath; in view of the fact that the flood relief work carried out at the end of 2011 has regrettably not been successful, if the OPW has recently visited the site; if he will indicate a timeframe within which any proposed solution will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43198/12]

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Written answers

At the request of Meath County Council, OPW carried out routine channel cleaning works in late 2011 on a section of channel at Northlands estate, which the Council is responsible for maintaining. Such cleaning and maintenance would not be expected to provide the level of flood protection that would be provided by properly designed flood relief works.

OPW engineers visited the estate following the recent flood event. It was not immediately apparent what the cause of the incident was and further investigation is required to establish the reasons for the flooding.  It is open to Meath County Council to submit an application to the OPW for funding under the Minor Works Scheme to carry out a study into the causes of the flooding and to consider possible options for remedial works.  In the context of such an application and provided any proposed works meet the criteria of the scheme, the OPW will work in collaboration with Meath County Council in considering the best way for progressing the works.

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