Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
343. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if, further to the second serious flooding incident that occurred in east Meath since September, which has destroyed many homes, he will seek an urgent update on discussions between the OPW and Meath County Council in respect of additional flood works required and plans going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47439/23]
View answerThere is an existing Flood Relief Scheme in place in Mornington, Co. Meath providing protection to 162 properties.
After the August 2023 flood event in the Mornington/Bettystown area a senior level group involving the OPW and Meath County Council was established to review the event and any additional measures in the Mornington/Bettystown area that may now be required.
The OPW instructed RPS to investigate both the cause and magnitude of the flooding events in Mornington in August and October of this year. This investigation will inform any appropriate short term measures that can be taken to manage the flood risk in this area and in the longer term the design for those further flood relief defences currently proposed. Phase 1 of this report is currently being finalised.
The most recent meeting to review progress to date on the potential flood relief measures for Mornington/Bettystown took place on 26th October and was attended by representatives from the OPW, Meath County Council, Uisce Éireann and RPS consulting engineers.
Mornington Flood Relief Scheme Maintenance
The OPW commenced, on the 9th October, the annual maintenance of the Mornington Stream channel and embankments, which together form the Mornington Flood Relief Scheme. This work will continue until mid-December 2023.
Meath County Council Maintenance Works
Meath County Council (MCC) are currently checking road gullies and storm water drains in the general area, carrying out cleaning as required. MCC will continue to check and clean gullies as needed. In addition to the works on the roads, MCC will also shortly commence the removal/trimming of trees in some of the streams in the area. These include the streams to the north and south of the Village Estate which form part of the Mornington Drainage District. When the larger pieces of vegetation that could cause blockages have been removed, any cleaning required will be undertaken.
Northlands Flood Relief Scheme
The Northlands Flood Relief Scheme commenced in November, 2016. Construction of this scheme, consisted of in-situ reinforced concrete walls and precast concrete “U-channels”, and was carried out by the OPW (direct works) on behalf of Meath County Council, and was substantially completed in Q1 of 2018.
There is currently a Steering Group in place with representatives from the Office of Public Works, Meath County Council and a design consultant to progress a design for a culvert upgrade as an extension to the Northlands Flood Relief Scheme.
