Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
324. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Skibbereen flood relief scheme; the outstanding works on the Cork Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22251/21]
View answerThe Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme was undertaken by Cork County Council, as the Contracting Authority, with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The scheme was substantially completed on 6th June 2019 by the main contractor, Jons Civil Engineering Ltd. All identified defects arising from the construction have been remedied, with some delays as a result of Covid-19. Planning for the operation and maintenance of the scheme is ongoing in conjunction with Cork County Council, who will act as agents of the OPW in carrying out the statutory operation and maintenance of the scheme. A small number of works to address elements identified during construction, which were outside the main construction contract, remain to be completed and are being progressed in separate works’ packages.
The works on Cork Road are not part of the main Scheme, but were subsequently identified as being necessary. Detailed assessments are currently being progressed by Cork County Council and consultants RPS, in conjunction with the OPW and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), to identify the most effective solution. The OPW is providing funding under the Minor Works & Flood Mitigation Scheme towards these works. While work is currently ongoing on the development of a solution, the Council is not yet in a position to confirm the programme times in relation to planning approvals and construction.
