Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
46. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for the up-to-date progress on the flood relief programme for the River Lee west of Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46946/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Cork County Council are engaging proactively to progress a preferred option for a viable flood relief scheme for Baile Mhuirne/Baile Mhic Íre that will protect 90 properties from significant risk from flooding. Cork County Council who will act as the lead authority for the Scheme and are currently engaging with OPW to define the scope of the consultancy brief after which the procurement of a consultant will follow.
In the interim, Cork County Council has been approved funding of €359,105.73 in September 2023 under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This funding is for the provision of temporary flood defence measures, including sand-bag defence structure with suitable impermeable barrier, remedial repair works to an existing stone wall, increasing the ground level with ramps at three field entrances and installation of two non-return valves, provision of pumping sumps, a trailer mounted mobile pump and the provision of Individual Property Protection at four properties.
Consulting Engineers Malachy Walsh and Partners (MWP) have been commissioned by Cork County Council (CCC) to complete the design of the interim flood relief measures in Ballyvourney. The detailed design is complete with the intention of going to tender for construction in November 2023.
Other Flood Relief Scheme
The proposed flood relief scheme at Ballingeary is a Tranche II scheme which will be progressed at a projected cost estimate of approximately €3.1 million which will be revised during the options development stage. This proposed scheme consists of Installation of hydrometric gauges, flood walls and embankments and will protect 46 properties when completed.
The proposed flood relief scheme at Inchigeelagh is also a Tranche II scheme which will be progressed at a projected cost estimate of €2.6m which will be revised during the options development stage. The proposed measure consist of flood walls and embankments to protect vulnerable properties in Inchigeelagh. These defences range in height from 0.6 – 1.9m and will provide protection to 28 properties when completed.
Once consultants are appointed to progress these schemes, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies as well as the general public will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the schemes.
