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Thursday, 5 Mar 2020

Written Answers Nos. 143-162

Public Sector Reform Implementation

Questions (143)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which the principles of reform have benefited the national recovery in the past eight years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3120/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the significant reforms in the public sector that the Government has brought about since 2011 continues to deliver improved services and value for money across a range of themes such as governance, accountability, procurement, shared services, organisational reform and property management.

The current framework for public service reform and innovation, Our Public Service 2020 (OPS 2020) – which I launched at end-2017, builds on earlier reforms while expanding their scope in order to accelerate the digital delivery of public services, deliver better services to customers, drive innovation and develop our people and organisations.

Some notable examples of reform initiatives that have being delivered under Our Public Service 2020 include:

- Transforming and driving Digital Delivery of Services, such as for example;  An Garda Síochána's Active Mobility Service; Passport on-line; Library Service’s My Open Library initiative; Revenue Commissioners PAYE Modernisation programme;

- Driving the take-up of Robotic Process Automation including the establishment of Procurement Framework to enable draw down of support and expertise;

- Innovation: A pilot Innovation Fund to support Public Service innovation, launched in May 2019; establishment of a central Innovation Support Team and Innovation Studio; launch of a first Public Service wide Innovation Network and first Public-Service wide Innovation Week held on 9-13 December 2019;

- A significant strategic workforce planning initiative commenced in selected public service organisations;

- An initiative to support greater diversity and inclusion  in our  Public Service;

- Creation of a Public Service Leadership Board (PSLB) - at Sec Gen equivalent level- supported by the Public Service Management Group (PSMG).

Further details of these and the other reforms that continue to be delivered can be found in the first progress report on Our Public Service 2020, which I published last October in conjunction with my colleague Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan. Information and up-dates on the full range of OPS 2020 activities can also be accessed at the website OPS2020.gov.ie.

Apart from the OPS 2020 framework, reforms are underway in organisations right across the civil and public services. For example, the overall programme of reform that we set out in the 2014 Civil Service Renewal Plan in order to support a higher performing organisation continues to be embedded within our Civil Service.  A fourth progress report that captures the progress made since the Civil Service Renewal Plan commenced was published last May and this is also available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/8a4a55-civil-service-renewal-plan-progress-reports/#fourth-progress-report. An ambitious 10-year strategy and framework for Civil Service Renewal is now being developed which will allow the Civil Service to maintain a clear longer term vision and to achieve significant sustainable transformation in a number of key areas.

In my role as both Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, I have sought to ensure that our fiscal and public expenditure policy is sustainable and that Public Sector policy will continue to facilitate good economic performance in the future. A number of the budgetary reforms introduced in recent years to guide my decisions on overall fiscal policy in this regard, including fiscal rules, expenditure ceilings and spending reviews. The actions in OPS 2020 will help ensure that the focus of the public service is very much on delivery of quality public services over the coming years, without impacting negatively on economic performance.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 136.
Question No.145 answered with Question No. 137.

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Questions (146)

Denis Naughten

Question:

146. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has developed a specific cost-benefit analysis for areas impacted by turlough flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3161/20]

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Written answers

The OPW has not developed a specific cost-benefit analysis for areas impacted by turlough flooding, but all project funding appraisals are required to comply with the general requirements of the updated Public Spending Code, as well as any specific requirements set out in the relevant funding schemes, such as the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

Standards in Public Office Commission

Questions (147)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

147. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the recommendations made by SIPO during the review of the lobbying laws as referenced in an article in a newspaper on 26 February 2020 (details supplied); the reason for refusal in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3217/20]

View answer

Written answers

In accordance with section 2 of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 (the Act), I launched the second statutory review of the Act on 12 April 2019 by means of a press release. On the same day, my Department launched a public consultation process, inviting submissions from interested parties by 10 May 2019.  A copy of the public consultation paper is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/652934-second-review-of-the-regulation-of-lobbying-act-2015/.

The response to this consultation was positive with 27 submissions received.  Those making submissions included the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO), Government Departments, representative bodies, interest groups, and various bodies and individuals engaged in lobbying. A table providing details of the submissions received, along with the content of each individual submission, including SIPOs submission, is available to view at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/652934-second-review-of-the-regulation-of-lobbying-act-2015/. 

The issues raised and suggestions for improvements in the submissions received were categorised into nine key thematic areas and the second statutory review was structured around these themes.

I enclose at APPENDIX 1 a table outlining the recommendations made by SIPO in its submission and the responses provided to each SIPO recommendation in the second statutory review report. The report itself is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/7ef279-second-statutory-review-of-the-regulation-of-lobbying-act-2015/.

All of the issues raised and the suggestions made in each of the 27 submissions received were examined and considered by my Department. The issues raised mainly concerned implementation and procedural matters. The review found that where issues highlighted had not already been dealt with, they could be effectively managed and resolved on an administrative basis by SIPO. The review includes a number of recommended further actions for SIPO to consider, along with two recommendations for my Department.

Overall, there was widespread acceptance of and support for the legislation in the submissions received. I am satisfied that now is not the time to consider amending this legislation and I agree with my Department's assertion that the amendment of any legislation should only be considered where a compelling business case for change is clear and unequivocal. The third statutory review of the Act must commence by 1 September 2022.

Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory

Questions (148)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

148. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if construction works on the new forensic laboratory has commenced; if not, when the works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3234/20]

View answer

Written answers

The delivery of the Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory Project at the Backweston campus is managed by the Office of Public Works. The preferred Main Contractor and Reserved Specialists have been identified and notified.

Construction is expected to start in Q1 2020 once final budgetary approval is received from the Department of Justice and Equality.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (149)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

149. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider the establishment of a single authority to manage and take responsibility for the River Shannon which would include key stakeholders, including a number of community representatives that have first-hand experience of flooding on the river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3303/20]

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Written answers

The Shannon Flood Risk State Co-ordination Working Group was established by Government Decision in 2016.  The Group was established, at that time, following severe flooding arising from exceptional weather conditions from December, 2015 to January, 2016. 

As part of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, a Shannon study included 67 of the 300 areas in total studied with over 17,800km2 of river being surveyed and modelled and over 10,000 individual flood maps produced to highlight the flood risk along the Shannon catchment.  The Shannon CFRAM involved extensive public consultation so that local knowledge and opinions have informed its output.

The output of the CFRAM Programme was the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) that include 34 new flood relief schemes to protect towns in the Shannon River Basin District, as part of the Government’s €1bn investment in flood relief over the decade to the year 2027.  These new schemes will be subject to a public consultation process and are additional to 13 schemes already completed or under construction.  Together, these will protect 95% of properties against their significant risk from flooding.  Overall, work is now complete or underway to protect 80% of at risk properties.  Details of these schemes are available on www.floodinfo.ie.

The CFRAM Programme and the FRMPs has informed the work of the Shannon Flood Risk State Co-ordination Working Group which was established to support existing plans in place and planned through to address flooding and to enhance the ongoing co-operation of all state agencies involved with the River Shannon. 

On its establishment, a priority for the Group was to develop a Work Programme that was informed through public consultation days. The Programme together with local knowledge demonstrated the extensive range of activities and co-ordination by all State Agencies already underway to jointly and proactively address flood risk along the Shannon. The Group’s Annual Work Programmes are available at www.opw.ie.

The Group has taken a number of significant decisions since its establishment including:

- Targeted maintenance at a number of locations on the River Shannon.

- A study to examine the removal of constrictions resulting in lower summer water levels through the Shannon Callows, to help address the summer flooding in this area while maintaining the appropriate navigation requirements.

- A study to examine the cause, degree and rate of restriction downstream in the Lower Shannon.

- Pilot lowering of lake levels in Lough Allen to help alleviate any significant flooding event that may occur.

- A preliminary assessment of the potential for strategic maintenance on the River Shannon.

In January 2020, Mr. Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, announced that he has secured government support for €7 million investment to advance a planned programme of maintenance works and the removal of constrictions or ‘pinch points’ on the bed of the River Shannon at the Callows Region between Athlone and Meelick Weir to improve the conveyancing of the River Shannon. This investment, following public consultation, full environmental assessment and planning, as well as helping to manage flooding can support the tourism, navigation and agricultural sectors for this region.

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Questions (150)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

150. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the grants or schemes available to communities affected by flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3304/20]

View answer

Written answers

The OPW does not administer grants, or Government humanitarian funds, for communities affected by flooding, and any such funds are the responsibility of other Departments.  The emergency response in relation to flood events is the responsibility of the Local Authorities, under the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All Local Authorities may carry out flood mitigation works, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

The OPW introduced the ‘Minor Works’ Scheme in 2009 on an administrative, non-statutory basis. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.

Under this scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects.

Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management.

To the end of 2019, over 580 Minor Works projects have been completed, providing local flooding solutions to over 7,100 properties with expenditure amounting to over €39m since the scheme began in 2009. In 2019, €4.75m has been approved for 49 projects, with €4.4m having been drawn down by Local Authorities by the end of the year.

The allocation of funding for the Minor Works scheme is included in the overall allocation for flood risk management investment included under Vote 13 (Office of Public Works) in the Estimates for Public Services for 2020.

Full information on the scheme is available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/0e3b3d-minor-flood-mitigation-works-and-coastal-protection-scheme/.

Flood Relief Schemes Expenditure

Questions (151)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

151. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent on flood relief in County Roscommon in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3305/20]

View answer

Written answers

In addition to maintenance works the OPW undertakes on its arterial drainage schemes in Co. Roscommon (the Boyle, Corrib Clare, and Ballyglass (Knockcroghery) Arterial Drainage Schemes), the OPW has funded Minor Flood Mitigation Works for works in Roscommon over the previous 5 years as follows:

2019 - €65,244

2018 - €15,252

2017 - €428,060

2016 - €6,548

2015 - €0

The OPW introduced the ‘Minor Works’ Scheme in 2009 on an administrative, non-statutory basis. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.

Pension Provisions

Questions (152)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

152. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has received an application for approval of an increase in pension for retired ESB pensioners; if so, when the application was received; when a decision will be made on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3324/20]

View answer

Written answers

Applications for increases in pension for retired ESB pensioners are normally submitted to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for his approval and subsequently sent to this Department for my consent. I can confirm that this Department has not recently received an application for approval of an increase in pension for retired ESB pensioners.

Coastal Erosion

Questions (153)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

153. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all necessary financial assistance will be provided to Fingal County Council to tackle the alarming rate of coastal erosion that is occurring at The Burrow, Portrane, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3345/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised, in respect of coastal erosion at the Burrow, Portrane, County Dublin, that Fingal County Council is leading on this issue, as it is a matter for local authorities in the first instance to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas.  Where necessary, local authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat. 

In 2018, in response to serious coastal erosion problems at The Burrow, Portrane, Fingal County Council implemented temporary interim emergency measures to protect properties at risk.  Funding of €456,464 was approved under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for these works.  

Consultants appointed by Fingal County Council are currently assessing options for a longer term permanent solution for the Portrane Peninsula/Rogerstown Outer Estuary area. My Office continues to co-operate and assist Fingal County Council in every way and if a viable option is identified, the Council may submit a further application for funding to the OPW or other Government Departments as appropriate.  

Coastal Protection

Questions (154)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

154. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress in the preparation of a national coastal erosion strategy and plan in view of the fact the situation has become grave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3346/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Government agreed to the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Group to scope out an approach for the development of an integrated, whole of Government coastal strategy, for managing our changing coast and to report back to Government within a period of 6 months with its initial findings and recommendations.  The Inter-Departmental Group will be established shortly and will be jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Office of Public Works.

Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme

Questions (155)

Brian Stanley

Question:

155. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it will be ensured that the flood relief capital work programme includes the Whitehorse River Mountrath, County Laois. [3373/20]

View answer

Written answers

Mountrath, Co. Laois was one of the 300 areas studied under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.  The detailed assessment of the flood risk undertaken in this area found that the potential options identified for the area were not deemed to be cost beneficial and therefore no viable scheme was identified at this time.  The Flood Risk Management Plan for the Nore River Basin recommends that, while a technically feasible flood relief scheme has potentially been identified, a more detailed assessment of the costs and benefits will need to be completed to determine if the proposed Scheme is financially viable.

A framework is currently being established through which the reviews of potential schemes that were not found to be viable under the CFRAM Programme will be undertaken, to examine in more detail whether a viable scheme can be identified. These reviews will commence in the coming months with a view to completion in 2021.

Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme

Questions (156)

Robert Troy

Question:

156. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of proposals for a voluntary home re-location scheme for domestic dwellings affected by flooding and unable to receive insurance cover or adequate remedial work; the number of homes due to be covered by the scheme; the amount due to be allocated; the timeframe of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3374/20]

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Written answers

In April 2017, the Government agreed the administrative arrangements for a once-off Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme for those primary residential properties that flooded during the flooding event in Winter 2015/2016. It was a national scheme of humanitarian assistance, targeting aid at those worst affected properties, for which there were no alternative feasible measures.

The OPW has liaised with homeowners and local authorities to identify those homes that flooded during this flood event. In addition to major flood relief schemes, engineering solutions have been identified or are being assessed to protect 68 homes. To date 25 homeowners have been offered humanitarian assistance to relocate, equivalent to the cost to their Local Authority for a similar sized house.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (157)

Robert Troy

Question:

157. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent on strategic maintenance works on the River Shannon in 2017, 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3375/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established in early 2016 by the Government to support existing plans in place and planned to address flooding and to enhance the ongoing co-operation of all state agencies involved with the River Shannon.  The Group was established, at that time, following severe flooding arising from exceptional weather conditions from December, 2015 to January, 2016. 

On its establishment, a priority for the Group was to develop a Work Programme that demonstrated the extensive range of activities and co-ordination by all State Agencies already underway to jointly and proactively address flood risk along the Shannon. The Group’s Annual Work Programmes are available to the public at www.opw.ie.

The Group has taken a number of significant decisions since its establishment including a plan for targeted maintenance activities along the River Shannon.  Following receipt of consent from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, work involving tree cutting and the removal of silt and emergent vegetation was undertaken at five locations during the appropriate seasonal windows.   

The annual expenditure for this targeted maintenance work for the years 2017-2019 is broken down as follows:

- 2017: €94,000

- 2018: €21,500

- 2019: 128,200

In January 2020, Mr. Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, announced that he has secured government support for €7 million investment to advance a planned programme of maintenance works and the removal of constrictions or ‘pinch points’ on the bed of the River Shannon at the Callows Region between Athlone and Meelick Weir to improve the conveyancing of the River Shannon. This investment will, following full environmental assessment and planning, as well as helping to mitigate Summer, low level, flooding, support the tourism, navigation and agricultural sectors for this region.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (158)

Robert Troy

Question:

158. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the trial on lowering water levels in Lough Allen undertaken by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group; if there are legal or statutory impediments to such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3377/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established in early 2016 by the Government to enhance ongoing co-operation of all State agencies involved with the River Shannon and to add value to the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.

In October 2016, the Group took a decision to trial the lowering of the lake levels on Lough Allen, within the existing statutory framework, during the Winter period to help mitigate potential flood risk. 

A protocol was finalised between ESB, Waterways Ireland and the OPW to lower the late Autumn and Winter minimum lake levels by approximately 0.7 metres.  The first reduction was implemented in October 2016 and the trial has been underway since that time, subject to specified weather conditions. 

In 2019, the ESB arranged for an assessment of the impacts of operating the agreed protocol on Lough Allen levels and discharges using 20 years of historical data.  This assessment identified certain benefits to managing flood risk arising from the trial. 

At its meeting on 31st October 2019, the Group agreed to continue with its implementation, on a temporary basis, in the context of the overall flood risk management plans for the area which includes a flood relief scheme for Carrick-on-Shannon.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (159)

Robert Troy

Question:

159. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of meetings held by the interdepartmental flood policy co-ordination group in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3378/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group, established to support the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, was reconvened in July 2015.  The purpose of the co-ordination Group is to have regard to the extent of non-structural solutions that will inform the ten-year implementation strategy of the Flood Risk Management Plans arising from the CFRAM study and to ensure that policies that can benefit communities and individuals directly – to be prepared for and respond to or live with flood risk – are carefully considered. 

In November 2016, the Government agreed an interim report from the Interdepartmental Flood Policy Coordination Group setting out progress on its work and making appropriate recommendations for consideration by Government. This report can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/publication/5fa6b9-inter-departmental-flood-policy-coordination-group/.

The Group met four times in 2016, once in 2017, twice in 2018 and twice in 2019. The next meeting of the Group will take place in Q2 this year.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (160)

Robert Troy

Question:

160. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the establishment and operation of the national flood forecasting and warning service unit; the number of staff employed in the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3379/20]

View answer

Written answers

As part of the overall response to Flood Risk Management, the Government agreed to the establishment of a National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service (NFFWS).  The service will deal with flood forecasting from both fluvial (river) and coastal sources. When fully operational, it will involve the issuing of flood forecasts and general alerts. 

A Steering Group, chaired by the OPW, has been established to steer, support and oversee the establishment of the new service. The Steering Group includes representatives from the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government (DHPLG), Met Éireann and the Local Authorities.  There are a number of subgroups reporting to the Steering Group which deal with technical, communications and legal issues. The Steering Group has met on twenty-one occasions.  To date, eight specialist staff have been recruited for Met Eireann which include five Hydrometeorologists and one Chief Hydroeteorologist. Further recruitment is ongoing to fill other specialised posts.  In the interim period, existing flood forecasting and warning systems and arrangements are being maintained.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (161)

Robert Troy

Question:

161. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of meetings held by the River Shannon co-ordination group in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3380/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established in early 2016 by the Government to support existing plans in place and planned to address flooding and to enhance the ongoing co-operation of all state agencies involved with the River Shannon.  The Group was established, at that time, following severe flooding arising from exceptional weather conditions from December, 2015 to January, 2016. 

The Group publishes an Annual Work Programme that demonstrates the extensive range of activities and co-ordination by all State Agencies underway to jointly and proactively address flood risk along the Shannon. These Work Programmes are  available at www.opw.ie.

The Group has taken a number of significant decisions since its establishment, including targeted maintenance activities at a number of locations, trialling the lowering of the levels on Lough Allen, studies to explore managing flood risk at the Callows and a study on the cause, degree and rate of restriction downstream of Parteen Weir. 

In January 2020, Mr. Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, announced that he has secured government support for €7 million investment to advance a planned programme of maintenance works and the removal of constrictions or ‘pinch points’ on the bed of the River Shannon at the Callows Region between Athlone and Meelick Weir to improve the conveyancing of the River Shannon. This investment, following full environmental assessment and planning, as well as helping to mitigate Summer, low level, flooding to support the tourism, navigation and agricultural sectors for this region.

The Group met on five occasions during its first year of establishment in 2016. In 2017, it established a Sub Committee on Work Programme and Measures.  The Sub Committee typically meets between each meeting of the main Group.  Additional meetings are held to progress work measures as necessary.  The main Group has met bi-annually, once in Autumn to review the Work Programme and once in Spring to assess progress and issues arising during the Winter period.  The next meeting of the Group will be held on 30th April, 2020.  This will be the 12th meeting of the Group.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (162)

Robert Troy

Question:

162. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount put aside for the pilot scheme for individual home protection measures; the amount drawn down; the timeframe for a decision on the future of national roll out of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3381/20]

View answer

Written answers

In 2016 the OPW appointed consultants to undertake a survey of individual properties in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, in order to determine their suitability for floodgates as part of a pilot, and to make recommendations for each property.  Mayo County Council subsequently procured a contractor to supply and install the floodgates based on the recommendations of the consultants. Gates have now been installed in approximately 100 properties in the town, at a cost of approximately €350,000.

The OPW is undertaking a study of Individual Property Protection (IPP) to look at the potential for a national scheme to protect a proportion of those properties that do not form part of the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) arising from the CFRAM study.  

This study is examining the administrative arrangements for IPP schemes where they exist in other jurisdictions including Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.  It also considered work undertaken for the pilot scheme in Crossmolina.  

The study is highlighting the many interdependencies to ensure the effectiveness of IPP measures.  Hence the introduction to individuals of financial support to incentivise them to acquire IPP products for their homes needs broader consideration in the context of these findings.  The OPW is continuing to explore options for IPP having regard to the results of this study. 

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