Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the Morrell drainage programme continues to be progressed with a view to making the necessary provisions to prevent flooding of land and homes in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27181/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Lower Morrell River flood relief scheme is being progressed by Kildare County Council (KCC) as the Contracting Authority for the scheme with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Following the completion of a full Feasibility Study, Cost Benefit Analysis and Environmental Impact Statement by the consultants designing the scheme, KCC is proceeding with the detailed design of the scheme and it is anticipated that the scheme will be submitted for planning approval later in the year.
It is not possible to indicate when exactly works can be commenced until the scheme has been advanced through the planning process by the Council as outlined above but it is anticipated that works should commence around mid 2017. I can confirm that the Lower Morrell scheme remains a priority and the OPW has included provision for the cost of the proposed works in its financial profiles in the period up to 2018.
