Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2023
63. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of the planned flood gate in Portumna; the timeline for its installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50126/23]
View answerThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme – Ireland’s largest study of flood risk – was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two-thirds of the population against their risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. An output of the CFRAM Programme, the Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans provide the evidence for a proactive approach for designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities. The delivery of these Plans is supported by €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan 2021–2030 (NDP).
To date, 53 schemes have been completed, which are providing protection to over 12,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €1.9 billion.
The proposed project for Portumna is not in the first tranch of projects to be progressed as part of the national programme of schemes. The proposed flood relief scheme at Portumna which will include flood gates will protect 22 properties when completed.
The OPW, working closely with the Local Authority, at all times strives to expedite and progress capital flood relief works with the minimum delay within the resources, including the specialised engineering resources, available to it.
Once consultants are appointed to progress this scheme, 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 scheme.
