Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019
175. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Templemore, County Tipperary, flood relief programme following reports of €3 million being diverted from flood relief programmes nationally to fill the health budget deficit in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8083/19]
View answerConstruction of the River Mall (Templemore) Flood Relief Scheme is currently ongoing. To date, approximately 35% of the works have been completed, which include 450 m of new channel excavation, 4 field bridges completed at various locations with another bridge substantially complete, and demolition and site clearance of a commercial property on the Richmond Road. Liaison is ongoing with relevant stakeholders, including local landowners, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the ESB, and Tipperary County Council. It is hoped to have the scheme works substantially completed by the end of 2019.
Arising from the Government decision of Tuesday, 12 February 2019, in relation to capital reallocations related to the cost overrun on the National Children's hospital, the Office of Public Works is reviewing the most appropriate means of achieving the required capital savings of €3 million in the flood risk management area. Expenditure on any particular project or programme in any year is dependent on many variables related to the progress of the project and programme. The OPW can state that all capital projects committed to will be delivered.
