Vol. 558 No. 6
90 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the interim flood alleviation measures which have already been carried out by the Office of Public Works and Dublin City Council since the flood on 14-15 November on the Tolka River at Tolka Road-Distillery Road, Dublin 3, Millbourne Avenue-Botanic Avenue, Dublin 9 and at the rear of 1-17 Botanic Avenue, Dublin 9; the further measures that will be taken at these black spot locations; and the timescale involved. [25206/02]
At the request of Dublin City Council the Office of Public Works has carried out some emergency works since the severe flood. There was a danger of subsidence at three houses off Tolka Road following the failure of a protecting wall and Office of Public Works was requested to place rock, approximately 30 metres in length along the exposed bank of to stop further erosion. To secure this, a concrete wall, similar to the original wall, is now being built along this stretch. Rock has also been placed in the bed of the channel to prevent scouring of the new wall. A number of trees that were obstructing the flow of water in this area were also removed. This work is due to be completed in the next few weeks.
DCC has also undertaken some emergency works by installing temporary flood defences in the Griffith Park area. It has also undertaken a programme of gully cleaning in the areas affected.
As the Deputy will be aware, DCC agreed to include a detailed study of the River Tolka in the greater Dublin strategic drainage study at the request of the Office of Public Works. The study is being funded by the Office of Public Works and is expected to be completed in May 2003. The consultants have been requested to produce an interim report on what immediate measures can be taken to alleviate flooding in the areas worst affected in the past few weeks. This interim report has just been received and is being considered by officials of the city council and Office of Public Works. I am not in a position to say at this stage what the outcome of this will be.
91 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 12 November, and in view of the flooding of the main Waterford-Tramore road on 28 November, making it impassable, if he will expedite the implementation of the flood relief scheme for St. John's River, Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25207/02]
I am aware of the serious flood events which have occurred in many parts of the country in recent weeks, including flooding of the main Waterford-Tramore road. I wish to repeat that it is not possible at this stage, for the reasons I have already given in my reply to the Deputy's question of 12 November, to say when work will commence on the St. John's river, Waterford city drainage scheme. I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made within the level of funding and resources available to the Office of Public Works to progress the Waterford scheme as quickly as possible.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced that I was arranging for a major review of national flooding policy to be carried out. The purpose of the review is to assess the extent of the problem countrywide, clarify roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved and recommend practical action.
