Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
233. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a number of proposed flood risk management schemes in areas (details supplied) in County Donegal; when the OPW will provide further details to the local authority with regard to the design and construction of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19136/19]
View answerVery good progress has been made on the implementation of new flood relief schemes in County Donegal since I announced, in May 2018, 29 Flood Risk Management Plans for all the main river basins. These Plans identified a total of 118 flood relief projects to protect the main flood risk areas throughout the country, 15 of which are in County Donegal These Plans and projects are a key part of the overall flood risk management strategy set out in the National Development Plan 2017 - 2028 involving total investment of almost €1 billion over the ten year time frame of that Plan. As it is not possible to implement all of the 118 projects at the one time, a total of 57 projects have been prioritised for the initial tranche of investment and delivery based on the level of risk and number of properties to be protected.
Following consultation and discussions between the OPW and Donegal County Council, six of the 15 Donegal projects have been identified to be progressed in the first phase of implementation. Steering Groups for the projects have been established and much work is being done to make preparations for the appointment of consultants over the coming months for these projects. The OPW and Donegal County Council will work closely to ensure that the projects that are not in the initial tranche of projects to be progressed will be commenced as early as possible in the coming years and within the 10 year timeframe for the programme of investment.
The proposed flood relief schemes at Downings and Carrowkeel (Kerrykeel) are included in the 31 small projects under €1 million, and are being progressed directly by Donegal County Council with full funding from the OPW.
The proposed projects for Ramelton, Letterkenny and Rathmullan are not part of the first phase of projects to be advanced, but the OPW and Donegal County Council will work closely to ensure that they will be commenced in the coming years and within the ten-year timeframe for the programme of investment.
