Michael Healy-Rae
Question:457. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Kenmare flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32401/20]
View answerTuesday, 3 November 2020
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Written answers
Flood relief works for Kenmare are due to be progressed as part of the first tranche of 60 new schemes that have been prioritised for implementation nationally, following the launch of the Flood Risk Management Plans in May 2018, and the announcement of €1 billion investment in flood risk over the coming decade.
A steering group, comprising of representatives from the Office of Public Works and Kerry County Council, is currently in place to progress a number of schemes in Co. Kerry, including the Kenmare Flood Relief Scheme. Earlier this year, Kerry County Council appointed three additional technical and administrative staff to support the progression of these schemes. 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).
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.
Kerry County Council issued the request for tenders for engineering design consultants and environmental consultants from the Office of Public Works’ framework of consultants on 30 October, 2020.
In the meantime, the Steering Group has also proposed interim works that will involve the clearance of vegetation along a 0.6 km stretch of the Keelnagower river from the bridge at Aldi to where the Keelnagower river meets the Finnihy river, and a 0.6 km stretch of the Finnihy river from behind St Claire’s Convent to the footbridge downstream of Cornwell’s Bridge. This vegetation will need to be cleared to allow various surveys (site investigations, environmental baseline etc.) to take place. This will also involve the removal of debris that poses an immediate risk in a flood event of leading to blockages in bridges as was seen in the recent flooding event in Kenmare where a number of properties were flooded. The Office of Public Works has approved these works. Kerry County Council are currently in discussions with the relevant environmental agencies and, subject to their agreement, this work will be completed before the end of the year.
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.