Flood Risk Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

Questions (151)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

151. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the Minister of State for the OPW will meet with the elected members of the Inishowen municipal district, Donegal County Council, as they have repeatedly requested, to examine how the flood defence works at Burnfoot, County Donegal, can be advanced more speedily, in order that eight families can be returned to their council homes that were vacated for safety reasons after the August 2017 flood in the area and to assure other local affected homeowners and businesses. [44003/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

I am cognisant of and very sympathetic to the issues facing the residents of Burnfoot who remain in homes at risk of flooding and those that have been relocated to alterative homes for safety reasons after the flood event in the area in August 2017.

The Burnfoot Flood Relief scheme is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion at the end of 2023. The scheme is due to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q1 2024 (Stage II).  Subject to a successful and timely planning process it is currently envisaged construction can begin in the first half of 2025.

Every effort is being made by all parties to expedite the process and ensure the scheme is in place as soon as is practically possible.  It is currently envisaged that the scheme following its construction will provide protection from flood risk for all properties in both Líos Na Greíne and Páirc An Grianán including those properties currently vacant in Páirc An Grianán.

Quarterly updates on the advancement of the proposed Burnfoot Flood Relief scheme are provided to elected members of the Inishowen Municipal District by the Flood Relief Scheme Unit of Donegal County Council.