Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 January 2013
98. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the sums spent by the Office of Public Works up to the end of 2012 on flood protection works in the Dodder River and the work that has been completed thus far; his plans for future works; the estimated cost of future works and the sums committed to these works in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3219/13]
View answerA report aimed at identifying viable measures to reduce flood risk from both tidal and fluvial causes on the Lower Dodder was completed in January 2007 by Dublin City Council with funding from the Office of Public Works. Following discussions with the Council, the OPW agreed to undertake construction of the works with its direct labour force with, Dublin City Council managing the design and construction of the project. The works commenced in September 2007 at Ringsend Bridge moving upstream to New Bridge. The works have been undertaken on a phased basis by the OPW. While some works up to the Railway Bridge have yet to be finished, the flood defence aspect is in place, so the tidally affected area is now protected from flooding to the accepted 1 in 200 year standard for tidal flooding.
The OPW has expended approximately €13.1million on the works since 2007. The works have mainly involved the construction of new walls and embankments, installation of new flood gates, quay wall repairs and a new pedestrian walkway. Emergency works are currently ongoing upstream of the Railway Bridge and these should be completed in the next couple of months. The raising of the parapets on London Bridge and New Bridge will commence in March and should be completed in the second half of 2013.
It is planned to commence the next stage of major works up to Ballsbridge in the first half of 2013 subject to Part 8 planning approval being received by Dublin City Council. The Council must first adopt The Dodder Catchment Flood Risk Management Plan which is expected to go before the Council in early February. Based on this programme, it is estimated that expenditure on the various works will be in the region of €2 million in 2013. In relation to future works, it is estimated that the cost of the defence works to Donnybrook will be in the region of €10 million over the next 3-4 years, subject to the availability of funding in those years.
