Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - River Drainage Schemes.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

260 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the progress, if any, in relation to the flood relief scheme for the River Nore in Kilkenny; if quotations have been finalised; if so, the next step in the process; if, within the scheme, agreement has been reached to provide a wall at John's Quay, Kilkenny, as a priority; when the scheme will commence; and if, in the lead up to commencement of work, his Department will inform and assist all property owners who may be affected by the work. [12875/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen)

Site investigation works and other surveys required to finalise the detailed design of the Nore River (Kilkenny city) drainage scheme are currently under way in Kilkenny city. The next steps in the process are the preparation of contract documents, which necessitates the completion of the detailed design, and the invitation of tenders from contractors. It is envisaged at this stage that construction works on the scheme will commence in the autumn.

Until the detailed design is finalised, which will include a programme for the effective sequencing of works for the scheme taking all aspects of the project into account, it is not possible to say what priority might be accorded the works on the wall at John's Quay. However, the Commissioners of Public Works have requested that these works be undertaken at as early a date as practicable in that works programme. As is customary in drainage schemes, liaison will be maintained with affected landowners prior to works taking place on their properties and during the course of such works.