Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Questions (223)

Billy Timmins

Question:

223. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding funding for the Arklow flood defence scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19474/14]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The draft Final Feasibility Report for the proposed Arklow flood defence scheme was submitted to the Office of Public Works (OPW) by Arklow Town Council (ATC) late last year. The report has been assessed by the OPW and comments in relation to some technical aspects of the proposals have been forwarded to ATC for consideration. When the report is finalised and, provided the preferred scheme is economically and environmentally viable, the OPW and ATC, in conjunction with Wicklow County Council, will decide on the most effective means of progressing the project.

I wish to re-iterate my commitment to ensuring that an effective flood relief scheme will be progressed in Arklow. In this regard, the OPW has made provision for the construction of a flood relief scheme for the town in its multi-annual capital expenditure profiles for flood risk management.