Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 November 2016
106. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will sanction works to alleviate silting and subsequent flooding of homes and agricultural working land at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33209/16]
View answerThe Cashen estuary forms part of the River Feale Catchment Drainage Scheme, which was constructed by the Commissioners of Public Works under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. Construction commenced in 1951 with completion in 1957. An estimated 21,275 acres is deemed to have benefitted from the implementation of the scheme. OPW is statutorily obliged to maintain the scheme in proper repair and effective condition, in accordance with Section 37 of the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act.
Ballyduff is not part of the benefitting land of the above scheme and this Office is not aware of any properties flooding recently at this particular location.
I wish to advise the Deputy that earlier this year, tenders were invited for main design consultant to assess and develop a project to improve drainage outfall to the Cashen Estuary from low-lying lands protected by OPW flood defence embankments and to bring a viable scheme forward through environmental assessment, detailed design, tender and construction, subject to available funding. This Office is currently finalising the appointment of the consultant for this project.
