Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004
96 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the timescale involved and the flood alleviation measures to be carried out on the River Tolka between the Luke Kelly Bridge at Ballybough and the Drumcondra Road Bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23034/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that Dublin City Council exhibited a schedule of works in February of this year, as required under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, which comprise phase 2 of the works to be undertaken on the River Tolka in the city area.
The OPW agreed to undertake a number of these works on behalf of the council and these include the construction of walls and embankments on the northern bank downstream of Drumcondra Bridge, the widening of the southern bank from Distillery Weir upstream for a distance of approximately 300 m. on Clonliffe College grounds, and the lowering of Distillery Weir. Further works, which include the replacement of Distillery Road Bridge and the widening of some parts of the river around the bridge, are the subject of negotiations between the council and property owners and developers as part of a proposed development in that area.
The OPW mobilised on site in early June and the walls and embankments upstream of Distillery Weir on the northern bank have almost been completed. The weir itself has also been lowered, and the walls downstream of the weir on the northern bank have been started and are expected to be completed in the next two months. The widening works on the southern bank are completed with protection works to the new bank now being constructed. The OPW will also commence work on raising the wall behind numbers 1-52 Richmond Road in the next two weeks. The OPW and the city council are committed to completing all aspects of phase 2 in the current year.
