Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
37. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW will fast-track flood management schemes to help the building of flood defences for the areas of east Cork that were badly affected after Storm Babet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52360/23]
View answer39. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the decisions, if any, that have been made by the OPW to put in place interim measures in Midleton and in the wider east Cork area to help prevent possible future flood damage, pending the completion of local flood relief schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52309/23]
View answer56. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the OPW’s plans to address flooding issues in Castlemartyr, County Cork; the timescales for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52318/23]
View answerThere was a meeting in Midleton tonight. People there want the flood relief scheme fast-tracked. They are saying it is taking too long. They also want interim measures to be put in place in Midleton and Castlemartyr.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 39 and 56 together.
As Deputy Stanton is aware, Cork County Council is leading the design of the Midleton flood relief scheme and, in 2017, appointed engineering and environmental consultants. The process follows a number of stages from feasibility through design, planning, detailed design and construction. It is important that the work be done correctly and achieve its objectives. Extensive and detailed technical analysis is required to establish the most appropriate solution from a range of possible mitigation options.
Midleton has proven to be one of the most complex schemes, with flooding coming from four different sources. The preferred scheme has now been identified, with a total project budget of €50 million. When complete, it will provide protection to 580 properties.
At this time, an assessment of the recent flood event is being undertaken and will provide further evidence to support the preferred option for a scheme for Midleton, allowing the consent process for the scheme to commence. This assessment will identify any interim measures that can be progressed in advance of the scheme. The Office of Public Works and local authorities do not have powers to expedite these schemes arising from damage caused by flood events, and the delivery of all schemes must meet regulatory requirements.
I met Cork County Council in the flooding’s immediate aftermath. The OPW has pledged its support by way of interim measures that we believe might be able to be facilitated if Cork County Council works up the requisite application under what is called the minor works scheme. We discussed this at length in Cork County Hall.
Perhaps the Deputy has a supplementary question he wishes to put to me.
The concern is that if this happens again, the town could be finished. It is that serious. The interim measures are urgent but the completion of the scheme is vital and needs to be accelerated. People are saying that it might be years before it is completed.
There were proposals in respect of Castlemartyr, which relates to my other question. Those proposals were never implemented. Will the Minister of State check on those and see what can be done?
This is serious and urgent. Lives and livelihoods are at stake.
Perhaps the Deputy will correspond with the Minister of State in writing, as our time for oral questions has elapsed.
