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Flood Relief Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Questions (319)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

319. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding flooding in Kenmare, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21310/20]

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Written answers

The Flood Risk Management Plans launched by Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran in May 2018 include a recommendation to progress the project-level development and planning of nine new Flood Relief Schemes for County Kerry, (Tralee, Kenmare, Banna, Abbeydorney, Ballylongford, Castleisland and Tullig, Dingle, Killarney and Listowel).

A steering group, comprising of representatives from the Office of Public Works and Kerry County Council, is already in place to progress a number of these schemes, including the Kenmare Flood Relief Scheme. Kerry County Council appointed three additional technical and administrative staff to support the progression of these schemes in early 2020. These posts are being funded by the Office of Public Works to progress the schemes proposed for County Kerry under the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs).

Kenmare, along with Tralee, is due to be implemented as part of the first tranche of 60 new schemes that have been prioritised for implementation nationally.

Potentially viable flood relief works for Kenmare, to be implemented as appropriate after project-level assessment and planning (or Exhibition and confirmation), would include Fluvial Flood Defences comprising of walls and embankments on the Finnihy and Kealnagower rivers, and Tidal Flood Defences comprising of walls, embankments and removable barriers. The measures proposed also include the removal of the existing pipe under Finnihy Bridge.

These measures have a preliminary Total Project Cost Estimate of €5.43m and would protect 235 properties. Kerry County Council is on schedule to issue the request for tenders for engineering design consultants and environmental consultants, from the Office of Public Works’ framework, in October 2020.

Once consultants are appointed to progress the Flood Relief Scheme for Kenmare, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of this scheme.

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