Flood Risk Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Questions (264)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

264. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a report will be provided in relation to the flooding of the Blackwater River at Fermoy, County Cork on 24 February 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5856/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works commenced construction of the Fermoy North flood defence scheme in 2009, and the scheme was completed in 2011. The Scheme comprises grass embankments, permanent walls and demountable flood barriers, and pumping stations, and is designed to protect 77 properties on the north side of Fermoy against the 1-in-100-year flood event. Damages avoided in such an event in are in the order of €18m.

Cork Co. Council carries out the Operation and Maintenance of the Fermoy North scheme on behalf of the Office Public Works (OPW), the Contracting Authority. An OPW-developed Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), which is used for both the towns of Fermoy and Mallow, is operated by Cork County Council staff in Mallow. Upon receipt of a flood warning, Local Authority staff erect the substantial demountable defences on the completed scheme on the north side.

Following the flood event which occurred in February 2021, Cork County Council, in cooperation with the OPW, have been undertaking a detailed assessment of the causes of the event.

Cork County Council is preparing a comprehensive report and intends to submit it to OPW for review prior to its finalisation. This Flood Incident Report will detail the flood event, causes of the flooding, lessons learnt from the event and what actions are required to mitigate against a future recurrence of this event. The majority of the investigative work is complete and a number of interim measures have already been put in place, with more upgrades to be carried out subject to final report recommendations.

Cork County Council and OPW continue to collaborate and cooperate closely to progress the above report, which is due to be completed within the next 1-2 months.