Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
110. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the development of improved flood defences for Arklow town; if his Department is committed to having open public engagement on the proposed works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48284/22]
View answerThe Arklow Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by Wicklow County Council, with full funding provided by The Office of Public Works (OPW).
The Scheme was granted planning approval from An Bórd Pleanála in July of this year, following a 2-day Oral Hearing on the Compulsory Purchases Order process in January, where members of the public were provided with a platform to formally voice their objections and communicate their views to An Bórd Pleanála.
Presently Wicklow County Council is drafting consultancy briefs to bring the scheme to the next stage, with a view to appointing detailed design consultants in 2023.
The Scheme will protect the town of Arklow against coastal and river flooding. The defence system includes a plan to deepen the river, and to construct floodwalls, glass panelling and an embankment as barriers to protect against flood risk. Once completed, the scheme will protect 778 properties from flooding.
A dedicated Project Team will be in place in Wicklow County Council, which will include a community liaison officer to oversee public engagement. In addition, a communications strategy will be set out in the consultancy brief and implemented to include a standalone website, facilitating public interaction with the Project Team.
