Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2020
67. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has undertaken a review of the Bandon flood works project in respect of the impact on the locality in terms of tourism, biodiversity and public amenity; and if so, if the review has been published. [42261/20]
View answerAs an integral part of the development of the Bandon flood defence scheme, the Office of Public Works commissioned an extensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which was produced at the time of the Public Exhibition of the scheme in 2012.
The study examined the likely direct and indirect impacts of the scheme on human beings, flora and fauna, geology and soils, water, air and noise, landscape, cultural heritage, material assets and their interrelationships, and set out specific mitigation measures to offset and reduce potential environmental and natural impacts. The full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is available on the project website at http://bandonfrs.ie. Following detailed design of the scheme, OPW commissioned an addendum to the EIS to assess further possible impacts under the same headings and provided further mitigation measures.
Prior to the Confirmation of the Scheme by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), DPER commissioned an independent review of the EIS to fulfil the requirements of the relevant Environmental Regulations (European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) Arterial Drainage Regulations 2012). The Scheme was confirmed on the 4th of April 2016 subject to Conditions based on expert recommendations from the independent review, which included the introduction of a Schedule of Environmental Commitments based on the substantial mitigation and monitoring measures as proposed in the EIS and associated documents. OPW has not initiated any further review of the Bandon flood works project in respect of its impacts. However, throughout the construction phase of the Scheme, and following its substantial completion in October of this year, the measures contained in the Schedule of Environmental Commitments have been implemented.
OPW recognises that the construction of any flood relief scheme is likely to have temporary adverse effects. OPW believes that the nett benefit for the town of now having effective flood defences in places outweighs the mitigated short term impacts.
Over many years, Bandon has been badly affected by periodic severe flood events that greatly adversely affected the economic and general well-being of the town. Although it will take time for the river and its environs to recover fully from the impacts, the town’s economic and social prosperity is considered to be enhanced due to having the threat of periodic flooding greatly diminished - to the 1 in 100-year flood event standard of flood protection. In addition, scheme elements such as improvements to Bandon Bridge, the construction of a new pedestrian footbridge and other public realm enhancements have improved the fabric of the town and allow for greater enjoyment of the town for its citizens and for visitors to Bandon.
