Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
230. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the timeline for the proposed flood protection scheme in Arklow, County Wicklow; if the schedule of works will be aligned with works for the Arklow wastewater treatment plant to prevent potential flooding on the northside of the river in particular the Ferrybank area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56150/21]
View answerThe Arklow Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by Wicklow County Council, with support and full funding provided by the Office of Public Works under the OPW’s Capital Flood Relief Programme. As part of this scheme, Wicklow County Council intends to undertake engineering works along the Avoca River to mitigate the risk of flooding, including in the Ferrybank area. A planning submission for the scheme was lodged with An Bórd Pleanála in May of this year and, subject to approval, it is anticipated that archaeological works could commence on site in the summer of 2022.
Officials at Irish Water advise that the main contract works for the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant commenced in late September of this year. Works on asbestos removal, silt trenches and service diversions are ongoing. The design of the Wastewater Treatment Plant has had regard to the shared works element of the two schemes to the extent permitted in the planning permission. The details of the shared works elements will be reviewed in the context of the development of the final detailed designs of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Flood Relief Scheme respectively.
