Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019
256. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a project (details supplied) is on course to proceed; if it has been delayed; the reason if delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13534/19]
View answer268. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a flood relief scheme (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13830/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 268 together.
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.
Arising from the Government decision of Tuesday 12th 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.
