Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 May 2018
21. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an updated report on the plan to develop flood defences on the upper Lee at Inchigeela; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21659/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra31. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an updated report on the plan to develop flood defences on the upper Lee at Ballingeary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21658/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 31 together.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme was the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and covered 300 areas believed to be at significant flood risk. The CFRAM programme culminated with the launch by me in Athlone on 3 May, 2018 of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans which proposed 118 new outline flood relief projects on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public works (OPW).
I was delighted to be able to launch the Plans with the Taoiseach and to announce a major 10 year €1 billion programme of investment in flood relief measures. I also said on the day of the launch that it would not be possible to implement all of the capital projects in one go and that a phased approach was necessary. In that regard I also announced funding of €257 million for an initial phase of 50 flood relief projects throughout the country which would be progressed to detailed design and construction, including the 5 largest schemes identified in the Plans and 31 small or minor projects under €1 million which will be progressed directly by the local authorities.
Flood relief projects have been identified in the Plans for both Inchigeela and Ballingeary in County Cork at costs of €2.56m and €3.07m respectively. Neither area is in the first tranche of projects to be progressed, but I can give my assurance that the OPW and the local authority will work closely to ensure that both will be commenced in the coming years and within the 10 year timeframe for the programme of investment.
