Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2013
278. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans, if any, to provide a flood relief scheme for an area (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the town has been surveyed for such a scheme; if so, the estimated cost of carrying out such major works; the timeframe for planning and completing such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9721/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn foot of an application from Kilkenny County Council under the Minor Flood Works Scheme, the OPW allocated funding of €198,000 in 2010 for flood mitigation works at this location, consisting of channel cleaning and construction of a wall along the River Barrow. A total of €52,185 has been drawn down by the Council to date.
The Council reported in late 2012 that, following an initial investigation, it has been concluded that the design of appropriate mitigation measures would necessitate further examination by an expert hydrogeologist of the relationship between groundwater and river levels during flood events. Further site investigation and monitoring has been undertaken and the Council is awaiting the report of this assessment.
Further funding of €36,000 was allocated to the Council in 2011 for removal of silt from the River Duiske. This work has not been undertaken to date due to the location being within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
