I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 to 186, inclusive, together.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme was the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and covered 300 areas believed to be at significant flood risk. The CFRAM programme culminated with the launch on 3 May 2018 of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans, which proposed 118 new outline flood relief projects, on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
In that regard funding of €257 million for an initial phase of 50 flood relief projects throughout the country was also announced which would be progressed to detailed design and construction, including five large schemes identified in the Plans and 31 small or minor projects under €1 million which will be progressed directly by local authorities.
Aside from the 5 largest schemes and the 31 small or minor projects, the remaining projects in the initial phase of implementation were selected on the basis of those projects which would provide the greatest benefit in terms of the greatest number of properties protected on a regionally balanced basis.
Included in the first tranche are three major flood relief schemes in County Louth:
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Drogheda, Co. Louth with an estimated cost of €16.83 million will involve construction of a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls) along the River Boyne and improvement of conveyance, hard defences and a flow diversion channel on various tributaries, protecting 381 properties when completed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Carlingford and Greenore, Co. Louth with an estimated cost of €23.41 million will involve construction of a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls) and two pumping stations, protecting 409 properties when completed.
- The proposed flood relief scheme at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Co. Louth with an estimated cost of €40.54 million will involve a series of hard defences, including flood embankments and walls, rock armour coastal protection, demountable barriers, road raising, a sluice gate and tanking of two properties, protecting 1,880 properties when completed.
The OPW has written to all relevant local authorities in order to establish arrangements and structures on how best to progress the first tranche of projects and to maximise the scope for their early delivery, including, where feasible and appropriate, the local authorities taking the lead on the delivery of some of these projects. A key first step in the process will be the procurement and appointment of engineering design and environmental consultants to begin work on the development of the detailed design of the proposed schemes. This will commence as soon as possible. It is not possible at this stage to indicate when construction works will commence.
In addition to the above three major schemes there are two other projects included in the 31 small or minor projects under €1 million to be advanced in the initial phase.
The proposed flood relief scheme at Mornington, Co. Meath with an estimated cost of €530,000 will be progressed directly by Meath County Council with full funding from the OPW. The work will involve the construction of a series of hard defences (embankments and walls) protecting 51 properties when completed.
The proposed flood relief scheme at Ardee, Co. Louth with an estimated cost of €840,000 will also be progressed directly by Louth County Council with full funding from the OPW. The work will involve the construction of a series of hard defences (embankments and walls) protecting 7 properties when completed.
There is one proposed scheme not included in the first phase of implementation. The proposed flood relief scheme at Baltray, Co. Louth has been identified by the CFRAM programme to be progressed at a projected cost of €1.93 million. This proposed scheme involves the construction of a series of hard defences (embankments and walls) protecting 73 properties when completed. The OPW and the local authority will work closely to ensure that it will be commenced in the coming years and within the 10-year timeframe for the programme of investment.
Once consultants are appointed to progress the scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies as well as the general public takes place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the scheme.
