Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Flood Relief.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

316 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance about the discussions between his Department and Kildare County Council in the matter of the flooding which affected various areas of north Kildare including Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge, Naas, Straffan, Kill, Clane and Kilcock in November 2000, the decisions which were reached; if specific funds were identified or allocated and if so, the location; if a programme for action has been finalised; when such works are likely to start; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9293/02]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

319 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the funds made available to or through his Department for the alleviation of flooding at various locations throughout County Kildare; the full extent of such funds; the proposed spending programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9516/02]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 319 together.

After the meeting on 8 February 2002 between my officials in the Office of Public Works and representatives of Kildare County Council to discuss reports received from the council in relation to flooding from the Meadowbrook, Lyreen and Morrell rivers, two further meetings took place during February. The county council has now identified a series of interim measures that might be undertaken to alleviate flooding. The council's consultants have been asked to examine these proposed interim measures to ensure that they will not have any adverse impacts elsewhere. The consultants' report is now awaited. The Office of Public Works has also provided guidance to the county council on its requirements – inclusion of an environmental impact study and cost benefit analysis – for a full feasibility study in relation to the reports already received from the county council on the Morrell, Meadowbrook and Lyreen rivers. The county council is now preparing the necessary tender documentation and brief for the extension of the existing reports to complete all aspects of the feasibility study to the required scope and standards including EIS and CBA.

Question No. 317 answered with Question No. 306.