Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Flood Relief.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

213 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the steps which were taken to identify all contributory factors in the flooding at East Wall-North Strand areas of Dublin 3 on 1 February 2002; and the counter measures being taken to reduce future risk of flooding in this area. [13076/02]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

For the Deputy's information I would like to state that the Office of Public Works has an ongoing programme of flood relief schemes which are carried out under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995. There is a detailed planning and consultation process set out in the Acts and it can take several years for a scheme to move from initiation to completion. The current programme does not include any schemes in the areas referred to by the Deputy. Apart from schemes carried out under the Acts, the Office of Public Works does, in some cases, provide technical advice, assistance and funding to local authorities who wish to carry out flood relief works under their own authority.

The flooding referred to by the Deputy was due to abnormal and exceptionally high tides. The tide levels in Dublin were higher than the floods of 1924, when the previous highest tide in Dublin Port was recorded. Rainfall was not a significant influencing factor. The tidal surge was caused by a combination of wind and low atmospheric pressure and it has been calculated that, statistically, the event had a return period of 750 years. I understand that city council staff prepared an interim assessment report which was presented to Dublin City Council, the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Office of Public Works in February 2002. This report outlined the impact which resulted in the flooding of 1000 houses.

The City Council's analysis indicated that flooding in the East Wall-North Strand area was primarily occasioned by escape of water from the Royal Canal in its inter-tidal area. The protection of the area from future flooding has been raised by the city council with Waterways Ireland, who have responsibility for the Royal Canal. The impact of the flooding appears to have been exacerbated by the collapse of boundary walls on CIE marshalling yards and a new rail bridge constructed by CIE over the Royal Canal.

I understand that to reduce further risk of flooding in this area, the city council is pursuing the following matters:

–Strategic Coastal Zone Risk Assessment Study:

The process of procuring a consultant to prepare an overall risk assessment study for the city has commenced. This will include the East Wall-North Strand area. Funding for the study has been requested by the city council from the Office of Public Works. This, together with the question of funding of other works and studies in the Ringsend area, is under consideration by my Department.

–River Tolka Flood Study:

A separate study is currently under way, funded by the Office of Public Works, on the River Tolka to identify areas at risk. The output from this study will identify any risks and mitigation measures. The study will be completed towards the end of this year.

–Major Emergency Plan Review:

A review of the activation of the major emergency plan for the city was carried out with all the statutory agencies to streamline deployment of resources and personnel in any future emergency.

–Meetings:

Meetings have taken place with CIE, Waterways Ireland and the Insurance Federation to bring closure on a number of outstanding unresolved issues. I understand that a meeting of the Dublin City Council central area committee, scheduled for 28 June 2002 will be advised of progress on outstanding issues which, inter alia, will include progress on replacement of sea lock gates at Spencer Dock.