Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
166. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the timeline for flood relief in Mountmellick, County Laois will be accelerated in view of the recent flooding and the increased risk to homes and businesses. [3568/20]
View answerFollowing the flooding in the town in November 2017, the flood relief scheme for Mountmellick was expedited by taking it out of the main CFRAM study and accelerating its progression separate to and in advance of the overall CFRAM programme.
Due to the complexity of developing a robust scheme and the statutory processes that must be adhered to, schemes can have a significant lead in time. Ensuring that the design, environmental and planning elements are correct now limits the risk to critical delays or challenges later in the project cycle. Since the commencement of the project the consultants have undertaken survey work, data collection and analysis in preparation for the first public information day which took place in November 2019.
The consultants are currently carrying out more detailed surveys in order to calibrate the flood model, this will inform the selection of a preferred option. Additionally, the consultants, along with the Council, have been collecting data from the most recent flood event to assist in ascertaining the flow paths and velocities of the river in a flood event. This will aid further in the design of the proposed solution.
I can assure you that the OPW and Laois County Council are working with the consultants in order to ensure that the scheme is progressed as efficiently as possible.
