Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019
160. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the work planned to protect residents from flooding in the Corbally area of County Limerick; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10584/19]
View answer161. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the planning and construction of flood defences on the Abbey river in Limerick city; when works will commence; the projected timeframe for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10587/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.
Corbally – Limerick City & Environs Flood Relief Scheme (FRS)
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) recommends progressing the project-level development and assessment of a Flood Relief Scheme for Limerick City & Environs, which includes the Corbally area. This work will involve detailed development of the measures, environmental assessment as necessary, and further public consultation, for refinement and preparation for planning/exhibition and, if and as appropriate, implementation.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has set up a project steering group for the Limerick City and Environs Flood Relief Scheme, comprising of OPW personnel and representatives from Limerick County Council. The first Steering Group meeting was held in September, 2018. The group's initial task will be to prepare a Brief for the procurement of engineering and environmental consultants to progress the design of the works and to examine all the required environmental considerations.
Once consultants are appointed to progress this Flood Relief Scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of these schemes.
Abbey River - King’s Island FRS
Following severe flooding in Limerick City in February 2014, a commitment to funding both temporary and permanent flood defence works was given by OPW to Limerick City and County Council (LCCC). These works formed part of the Limerick Regeneration Project. Funding was granted to the local authority for the construction of sheet piling behind an embankment as a temporary measure with a view to the more permanent solution eventually incorporating these works. Approval was granted to the local authority in August 2015 to proceed with the development of a flood relief scheme, which will form part of the overall solution for the City.
Limerick City and County Council, with support from the OPW, are actively progressing the flood relief scheme at Kings Island, which includes the Abbey River, at an estimated cost of €26m. The scheme will protect approximately 450 residential and 23 commercial properties. Limerick City and County Council are scheduled to lodge planning with An Bord Pleánala later this year with a completion date of end of 2021.
The King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme remains a priority and the OPW has included provision for the cost of the proposed works in its financial profiles.
