Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
52. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department will provide assistance to a person (details supplied) following severe flooding at their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31503/23]
View answerThe Clieveragh area of Listowel, Co. Kerry has experienced significant flooding in 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2015. Kerry County Council applied in 2016 to the OPW for funding to undertake a flood mitigation study in this area under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.
The property in question (per details supplied) which has experienced flooding most recently is just downstream of the Clieveragh area and will benefit from the works being proposed here.
This project is being progressed in a number of stages as follows:-
In 2016 engineering consultants were commissioned to produce a Feasibility Study - The Listowel Flood Risk Assessment and Preliminary Flood Relief Option Assessment.
In October 2017 funding was approved by the OPW for the appointment of engineering consultants by Kerry County Council to progress the detailed design of the recommended option.
The proposed works consist of the following:-
• Construction of an over ground storm water attenuation pond at Curraghatoosane.
• Construction of a new open channel to convey the outflow from the pond to the Clieveragh watercourse to the south.
• Construction of an open channel and access road from the R552 road at Clieveragh to the attenuation pond at Curraghatoosane.
• Construction of a new precast concrete box culvert under the R552 road at Clieveragh and an overflow weir to connect to the new channel.
• Construction of a new precast concrete box culvert on the west side of the R552 road to facilitate access to the attenuation pond.
In advance of the flood relief works progressing, it was necessary to undertake road works including replacement of a bridge/culvert under the R552 which is now completed.
In November 2018, Kerry County Council progressed with a Part 8 Planning application for the proposed flood relief works which was granted in February 2019. However, the associated Minor Works application originally submitted to the OPW in 2020 now requires updating to include a revised construction cost estimation along with a new cost benefit assessment, due to Consumer Price Index changes that have since occurred.
Once an updated Minor Works application is submitted by Kerry County Council, it will then be reviewed promptly by the OPW.
