Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 March 2014
85. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following the recent heavy rainfall and subsequent swelling and overflowing of many rivers, if he will consider a flood alleviation scheme and the necessary funding required to allow limited dredging of the Rivers Barrow and Slaney. [12472/14]
View answerThe core strategy for addressing flood risk in the catchments of the Rivers Barrow and Slaney is the South Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Study. The CFRAM Programme, currently being undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) with its technical consultants, and in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders, entails comprehensive studies of all the principal factors influencing flood risk in the main river catchments in the country. Under the Programme, following public consultation, detailed flood maps are produced and flood risk management measures, (including dredging if appropriate) are assessed and taken to outline design. These measures will be prioritised and set out in a Flood Risk Management Plan. More information on the Programme is available on www.cfram.ie.
The South Eastern CFRAM Study is being conducted by RPS Consulting Engineers on behalf of the OPW and I am advised that good progress is being made on the project. The output of this important project will be an integrated plan of specific measures to address, in a comprehensive and sustainable way, the significant flood risk factors in the South Eastern region. Under the Study, work on Draft Flood Maps will be finalised during 2014 and Flood Risk Management Plans are due to be finalised in 2015. Further information on the Study is available on the project website www.southeastcframstudy.ie.
The River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council, with funding and advice as appropriate from the OPW. There will be an element of dredging in this scheme over a distance of approx 1.8km, beginning 0.9km upstream of the railway bridge and proceeding downstream through the town. It should be noted that not all sections of the riverbed in this area will require dredging, as some of it is already below the required bed level. In the areas that do require dredging, the additional depth gained will vary from 0.25m to 0.5m, depending on location.
