Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
142. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if remedial measures will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who is being flooded regularly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5022/20]
View answerAs part of the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme - the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State - 300 areas, including Athea, Co. Limerick, were believed to be at significant flood risk and hence assessed by that programme. The CFRAM Programme culminated with the launch of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans on 3 May 2018, and proposed 118 new outline flood relief projects (on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW)). All of these projects are to be funded under the Government's 10 year flood risk investment programme of almost €1 billion under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027.
When launched, funding of €257 million was also announced for an initial phase of 50 flood relief projects throughout the country to be progressed to detailed design and construction; including the five largest schemes identified in the Plans, and 31 Small Projects (with an estimated preliminary project budget of under €1 million) which will be progressed directly by Local Authorities. The proposed flood relief scheme in Athea is included in the 31 small projects under €1 million, and is being progressed directly by Limerick City and County Council with full funding from the OPW.
Further scheme development for Athea, including a review of costs and benefits, environmental assessment, detailed design, and consultation will be required for such works before implementation. Accordingly, Engineering and Environmental Consultants were appointed by Limerick City and County Council in September, 2019, to undertake the next stages of this project for Athea.
