Holly Cairns
Question:152. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the completion of the flood relief scheme in Skibbereen and Bantry, County Cork. [32353/21]
View answerThursday, 17 June 2021
Questions (152)
Written answers
In relation to the flood relief schemes in Bantry and Skibbereen, County Cork, I am advised as follows:
Bantry Flood Relief Scheme:
The Flood Risk Management Plans launched in May 2018 included a recommendation to progress the project-level development and planning of a flood relief scheme for Bantry. A Steering Group, comprising representatives from the Office of Public Works and Cork County Council, is in place to progress the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme. The Plans, with outline design of possible measures, estimated a preliminary Total Project Cost of €6.7m for the scheme, which will protect some 198 properties.
On 11th March 2021 Cork County Council, in partnership with OPW, issued the tender documentation for the procurement of Engineering Consultants via www.etenders.gov.ie. Tenders are due for return on 26th July 2021.
Once consultants are appointed to progress the Flood Relief Scheme for Bantry, 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. In the meantime, Cork County Council has engaged a contractor to treat some of the invasive species in preparation for a flood relief scheme for the town.
The flood relief scheme will be funded from within the allocated €1 billion for flood risk management over the period of the National Development Plan 2018-2027. Provision for the cost of the Scheme is included in the Office of Public Works' multi-annual capital allocation.
Cork County Council have also commenced the preparation of the consultants brief to carry out the repair and re-construction of the Main Street Culvert, which has been identified as a significant element contributing to flooding on Main Street, New Street and north and south of Wolfe Tone Square in recent months. The OPW is liaising with Cork County Council on the integration of these works with the flood relief scheme for the town.
In March 2021, an application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for interim works to mitigate flooding in Bantry, which includes installation of non-return valves and provision of mobile pumps, was submitted to the OPW by Cork County Council. This application is currently under consideration.
In addition to the above proposals, prior to forecasted extreme weather events, local area staff from CCC are implementing interim measures to assist mitigate flooding, such as deployment of sandbags at Sands Quay and mobile pumping.
Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme
Construction of the Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme commenced in July 2016 and was substantially completed on 6th June 2019. The Scheme was constructed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, with Cork City Council acting as Contracting Authority and agent for the OPW. All identified defects arising from the construction have now 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.
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 147.