Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
130. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of and position regarding a number of tranche one schemes within the Eastern Flood Risk Management Plans specifically, Loughlinstown, Deansgrange and the Old Connaught / Wilford flood schemes. [32484/21]
View answerThank you Deputy for your question in relation to the 'Tranche One' schemes located in South County Dublin. The following is the current status of the schemes referred to in your PQ:
Loughlinstown (Carrickmines/Shanganagh):
Engineering and Environmental Consultants have been appointed for the project and they are currently gathering data to assist with modelling of extreme river flows in the catchment. In particular a flow and rainfall survey and a detailed topographical survey have just been completed. Initial environmental surveys are underway as well as an initial assessment of benefits that any future scheme may provide. It is planned to carry out an initial pubic consultation day in July to gather information about past flood events and consult the public about the types and areas where flood alleviation measures may be required. A dedicated website has been launched for the project (www.csfrs.ie). This contains detailed information on the projects’ progress and is updated regularly.
Loughlinstown (Deansgrange):
The Deansgrange Flood Relief Scheme is well underway. The appointed Engineering and Environmental consultants, JBA and JB Barry, have completed the initial data collection phase of the Project (topographical surveys, environmental surveys etc.) and are currently modelling flood alleviation options that will protect the many properties at risk, particularly in the Bayview/Seafield environs. To assist with the design of the preferred options, a detailed ground investigation has recently commenced.
An initial public engagement event took place in Q3 2020. When a cost beneficial alleviation option is identified there will be another public engagement event, this is likely to take place in Q4 2021.
As part of the project, an advance contract was awarded to construct a flood storage structure in Kilbogget Park. This structure will restrict flow in the river and store flood waters safely in the wetland area of the park and slowly release this flood water downstream as a severe rainfall event passes. This project is now substantially complete and will assist in providing protection to many, but not all, properties downstream. A dedicated website has been launched for the project which will be regularly updated: www.deansgrangefrs.ie
Old Connaught Road/Wilford Scheme:
The Old Connaught Road/Wilford Scheme, while included in the Flood Risk Management Plans launched in 2018, was not one of the initial 60 new flood relief schemes to be progressed under the Capital Flood Relief Programme and work is not yet planned at this time for Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council, who will be the lead Authority for this Scheme, to progress works there. The Old Connaught/Wilford Scheme will be progressed as part of the next tranche of projects that attract funding from the OPW.
Work was carried out on a screen at Wilford (approx.) 5 years ago but there have been no significant works since then.
