Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
221. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expected timeframe in which the tender brief for a scheme (details supplied) will be developed; the expected stages of consultation regarding the flood management proposals in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60167/21]
View answerCarlingford and Greenore is one of 300 communities that had their flood risk assessed by the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of properties at risk from the primary causes of flooding in Ireland, in communities that house almost two thirds of the national population.
The key output of the CFRAM Programme was the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP’s). Informed by costs, benefits and environmental factors, the FRMPs proposed a flood relief scheme for Carlingford and Greenore. The proposed scheme would involve construction of a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls) and two pumping stations, protecting some 400 properties.
The progression of this proposed scheme to detail design is supported by €1.3bn planned investment under the National Development Plan to 2030 as part of Project Ireland 2040. The final design of a feasible scheme, informed through further public consultation, might change from that proposed by the FRMPs and will also include adaptation measures against the risk from climate change.
Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of this flood relief schemes. The progression of this Scheme is being assisted with the installation of rain gauges along the catchment which will provide valuable data.
The Engineering Consultancy Services tender brief for the Carlingford and Greenore scheme is currently being developed and is due to be published in the first quarter of 2022. Once consultants are appointed to progress Carlingford and Greenore, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the proposals within the scheme.
