Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
69. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his views on delays in the construction of flood defences along Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51199/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation of flood relief schemes to protect Ireland against significant flood risk from rivers and the sea. The Government has committed €1.3 billion, to 2030 under the National Development Plan, to deliver some 150 additional flood relief schemes identified as part of the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. Since 2018, a partnership between the OPW and Local Authorities throughout the country has allowed Ireland to treble the number of flood relief schemes currently at design, development and construction stages, to some 100 schemes.
The progression of Flood Relief Schemes (FRS) involves complex engineering and construction solutions and therefore requires lengthy planning and decision lead-in times. The process for the development of FRSs follows a number of stages including preliminary design, planning, detailed design and construction. Extensive and detailed technical analysis is required to establish the most appropriate solution, which also has to be adaptable to the increased risk from climate change. Extensive public consultation is also required at various stages to ensure that those affected by a scheme have the opportunity to input into its design and implementation. Ecological and archaeological issues often require in-depth analysis in order to ensure that the technical solution selected will meet the requirements of existing EU and national environmental legislation.
In relation to FRS along Dublin Bay, the OPW is currently providing technical and financial support to Dublin City Council (DCC), that is leading the development and design of flood relief schemes along Dublin Bay, which includes the following schemes:
Sandymount Flood Relief Scheme (FRS): In 2022, following discussions between the OPW and DCC, it was agreed that the Sandymount FRS would be best progressed through a Steering Group consisting of representatives from the OPW and DCC. To facilitate the appointment of consultants for the Sandymount FRS, and following extensive consultation with the OPW, DCC is currently undertaking a tender process for the establishment of the Multi Party Framework Agreement for Consultant Engineering Design Services for Flood Alleviation Projects, with the initial contract being the Sandymount FRS. DCC issued its tender on the 2nd November 2023 and it is planned to appoint consultants in Q1 2024.
The development of a detailed project programme for the Sandymount FRS will commence following the appointment of a consultant. It is envisaged that Stage 1 of the Sandymount scheme, to identify an option to manage the flood risk will take approximately 3 years. Following the identification of the preferred option, the Sandymount scheme will be required to go through various stages of development including environmental assessments for planning, detailed design and construction.
River Wad 1B Flood Alleviation Scheme: This scheme comprises a new culvert under the Howth Road and a new outfall under Clontarf Promenade. This scheme has been granted planning approval in September 2023 and is progressing through detailed design. Construction is envisaged to commence in Q3 2024.
Clontarf Promenade: DCC is currently engaging with the OPW regarding the development of a project brief for the appointment of consultants to progress works on the Clontarf Promenade, and will seek to procure consultants through its Multi Party Framework Agreement for Consultant Engineering Design Services for Flood Alleviation Projects.
In addition, the OPW is also engaging with Fingal County Council regarding the Sutton and Howth North Flood Relief Scheme. A potential solution to flooding in this area was identified under the CFRAM Programme. While this scheme was not in the first tranche of schemes prioritised to be progressed, nationally, following the launch of the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP) in 2018, there is a commitment by Government to progress this scheme under the National Development Plan.
