Flood Relief Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2019

Wednesday, 16 January 2019

Questions (115)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

115. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason a review of the environmental impact assessment in respect of the flood relief for Glanmire, County Cork, is being carried out; when this review will be completed; if this review is causing a direct impact on the sanctioning of the €8 million committed to the scheme; if there is a start date; if the process will be expedited (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1827/19]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works has submitted the proposal for the Glashaboy Flood relief scheme to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for formal Confirmation as required under the Arterial Drainage Act. In all such cases, the Minister is required to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and, in this regard, will procure independent specialists to review the Environmental Impact Assessment Report submitted by the OPW as part of the scheme documentation. This approval process can take up to six months and is the final element of the planning process for the Scheme, after which the procurement process will commence to bring the scheme to construction stage.

The scheme is being funded from within the allocated €1 billion for flood risk management over the period 2018 – 2027. Provision for the cost of the Scheme is included in the Office of Public Works' multi annual capital allocation.