Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
482. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the completion of the OPW report on the solution to the flooding problem at Paddy's Bridge, Ballinhassig, County Cork and the provision of funds for the solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9744/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is in the process of preparing a prefeasibility report to identify a possible flood relief solution with initial cost benefit analysis for Ballinhassig.
OPW engineering staff conducted a public information event with residents of Ballinhassig, local representatives and Cork County Council on 16 December 2016. The briefing highlighted the progress of the study to date. It indicated that, based on initial site visits, the area appears to be constructed on soil with high porosity and there is a need therefore to conduct a geotechnical investigation of the site and a geotechnical assessment regarding the seepage characteristics of the soil both along the river bank and along the hill to the front of the properties in Tullybeg, Ballinhassig.
The progression of the study and the cost of a possible project are dependant of the results of this geotechnical investigation which will be undertaken by specialists following a public procurement process. Tender documents for the procurement of these consultants are nearing finalisation and it is hoped that this process together with the resulting geotechnical report will be finalised for consideration by the end of Q2 2017.
