Flood Prevention Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 May 2013

Thursday, 23 May 2013

Questions (64)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

64. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works proposes to carry out works on the Bulkawn River, Ballinrobe, County Mayo, due to the amount of land in this area that is flooding on a regular basis and causing great inconvenience to persons in the area; if remedial works will be carried out at two pinch points on the river namely at the Sportlann in Ballinrobe and at the concrete dam west of the Neale road bridge, which needs to be lowered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24912/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The area in question is a limestone area with a high water table and therefore wet land is characteristic of the area. The Office of Public Works carries out maintenance works on the channel at this location, as it is a maintainable watercourse under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. The OPW has committed to carry out extensive weed cutting in the channel three times per year, subject to resources being available. It has also committed to removing 150mm from the weir (west of the Neale road bridge) this summer, subject to consent from all interested parties. The OPW intends to assess the pinch point alongside the hotel on the Kilmaine Road with the view to removing any obstructions to flow if practical.