Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
76. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to clarify the current position of the Blackpool flood relief scheme; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31046/23]
View answer80. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the OPW plans for flood relief in Blackpool. [31023/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 80 together.
The consent process underpinning the River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme under the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019 was reverted to an earlier phase following the outcome of a Judicial Review in January 2022. Following these proceedings, my Department sought supplementary information from the Office of Public Works in February 2022. The OPW submitted supplementary information to my Department in October 2022. This information can be found on the scheme website at floodinfo.ie.
My Department has retained independent consultants to assess the Environmental Impacts of the scheme as required by the Regulations. It is my intention to hold a period of public consultation into the scheme as required under Section 7(c)(1) of the Regulations. Details of this consultation will be made available on the Department's website in due course.
