Flood Prevention Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Questions (324)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

324. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 26 November 2013 regarding flooding of the River Deel, Crossmolina, County Mayo, if the consultant's report has been completed and assessed by the Office of Public Works; if he has received same; the stage the cost benefit analysis has reached; when it is expected to be complete; when he expects further flood mitigation measures to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8072/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

As outlined in my reply to your recent written representation on the same subject, adverse weather conditions last year delayed some in-river surveys being carried out, hence the delay in the production of the consultants' Options Report.

A review of the Hydraulic and Hydrology report is now under way, which will be incorporated into the main report. The full Options Report and Cost Benefit Analysis should be available for the Office of Public Works (OPW) review by late March/early April, at which point the economic viability of the scheme will be known, along with the potential construction solutions.

As previously stated, I am not in a position to comment on the commencement of works until the economic viability and community acceptance of the scheme has been indicated, at which point the Scheme proposal will be forwarded to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for formal confirmation.