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Flood Relief Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Questions (111)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

111. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of flood relief measures for Carlingford, Greenore, County Louth; and the progress to date. [36705/20]

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Written answers

Carlingford and Greenore was one of 300 communities that had their flood risk assessed by the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of properties at risk from the primary causes of flooding in Ireland, in communities that house almost two thirds of the national population.

The key output of the CFRAM Programme was the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP’s). Informed by costs, benefits and environmental factors, the FRMPs proposed a flood relief scheme for Carlingford and Greenore. The proposed scheme would involve construction of a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls) and two pumping stations, protecting 409 properties.

The progression of this proposed scheme to detail design is supported by €1bn planned investment under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project Ireland 2040. The final design of a feasible scheme, informed through further public consultation, may change from that proposed by the FRMPs and will also include adaptation measures against the risk from climate change.

The FRMPs and the planned €1bn investment support five additional proposed schemes for County Louth, at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee. Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of these flood relief schemes. The Council chairs the Project Steering Group, that has agreed to prioritise the progression of these schemes.

The tender for Engineering Consultancy Services has recently been awarded for Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee that are being progressed simultaneously. The tender brief for Drogheda and Baltray, also being progressed simultaneously, is being finalised and it is expected to be advertised in the coming weeks. Immediately thereafter the tender brief for the Carlingford and Greenore scheme will be developed.

The Office of Public Works has established an Engineering Consultancy Framework Agreements, which Louth County Council are using to procure services to progress the design, development and planning of each project as quickly as possible to construction. In addition, the Council has been provided with additional staffing resources by the OPW to assist in the implementation of these schemes.

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