Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
18. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress to date in 2023 on to the delivery of the CFRAM scheme for County Louth; the current timelines for the delivery of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47004/23]
View answerTo deliver the proposed measures set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans for County Louth, Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed. The funding for these schemes has been allocated under the €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030.
The development of flood relief schemes, overseen by project Steering Groups with representatives meeting monthly from the OPW and Louth County Council, involves five distinct, sequential and related stages. Aligned to the decision gateways of the Public Spending Code these are assessing the flood risk and identifying options; seeking planning consent, detailed design, construction and maintenance. Public consultation forms part of each stage and project websites, available on floodinfo.ie provides updates on each scheme’s progress.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee projects are being progressed simultaneously and engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. The proposed scheme will protect some 1,880 properties when completed. The scheme option for Dundalk/Blackrock South is expected in Q2 2024 and Ardee is currently at options development.
Consultants for the Drogheda and Baltray schemes were appointed in September 2021. The proposed scheme will protect some 425 properties when completed. The scheme option is expected by the end of Q4 2024.
Consideration is being given as to how best to progress the Carlingford and Greenore schemes and the OPW will continue to liaise with Louth County Council.
While the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified. The OPW is reviewing the flood risk in these communities.
