Flood Relief.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 November 2006

Wednesday, 1 November 2006

Ceisteanna (215)

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

287 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works flood prevention personnel will re-inspect the Tolka River where there is a build up of debris and silt which residents believe will make their homes more vulnerable to flooding; if this build-up will be removed and the foundations of the river wall strengthened to alleviate residents concerns; if the new higher river wall on the opposite side will make flooding more likely at the Tolka Road side where the wall is much lower; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35313/06]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I am advised that maintenance of the channel is not required at this stage. The Office of Public Works is in consultation with Dublin City Council to ensure that the River Tolka Flood Relief Works, will be maintained as required.

The wall on the right bank of the River Tolka, downstream of Distillery Road Bridge has been assessed and raised in any areas where the levels were under the prediction level of a 100 year flood, i.e. a flood with a 1% probability of occurring in a given year, thereby giving each side of the river protection against the design extreme event. Parts of the new wall on the left bank may be higher in places but this would be only to ensure the wall is at a minimum safety height from the road side.