Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
432. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update with respect to a claim made by a business (details supplied) in County Cork to the OPW following flood damages in February 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16505/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works commenced construction of the Fermoy North flood relief 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 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 of Fermoy.
The flood event which occurred in Fermoy on the morning of the 24th February 2021 led to three properties flooding at Brian Ború Square and flooding of the Town Park area, although no properties flooded there.
The Office of Public Works has received claims for compensation from those whose businesses or premises experienced flooding in Fermoy on 24th February 2021. The claims are currently under consideration.
