Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
94. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the stage of the tender process for the environmental consultants’ review of the Enniscorthy flood defence scheme; when the formal confirmation process will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12201/20]
View answerThe Enniscorthy (River Slaney) flood defence scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council on behalf of the Commissioners of Public Works as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. This is a significant scheme within the Office of Public Works €1 billion flood relief investment programme, and on completion will protect 236 properties in the town.
The Scheme requires formal confirmation to proceed from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (MPER). This is a statutory requirement under the Arterial Drainage Acts, which now, under the recent European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019, also requires the MPER to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed Scheme. This will involve, inter alia, a formal review by MPER of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) prepared by the Commissioners and recently submitted (along with a Natura Impact Statement (NIS)) to the MPER as part of the formal confirmation process.
In order to assist the MPER in making an informed decision to consent to the scheme, the EIA will require appropriate assessment, as required under the 2019 regulations, public consultation for a period of 30 days and a detailed review of the EIAR and NIS by environmental consultants appointed by the MPER.
I am advised that the current position on the Confirmation process is that a request for tender of services for environmental consultants is currently being progressed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). The public consultation phase is also due to be commenced by DPER shortly. DPER will progress the formal Confirmation process having due regard to the detailed requirements of the 2019 regulations. It is not possible at this point in the process to provide specific dates as requested, given that there is a possibility that further information or design variances may be required, as provided for under the Confirmation process. It should be noted that DPER is also progressing Confirmation of two other significant flood defence schemes for the Glashaboy and Bride Rivers in Co. Cork, both of which were submitted prior to the Enniscorthy scheme.
