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 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). In that regard funding of €257 million for an initial phase of 50 flood relief projects throughout the country was also announced which would be progressed to detailed design and construction, including the five largest schemes identified in the Plans and 31 small or minor projects under €1 million which will be progressed directly by local authorities.
The proposed flood relief scheme at Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny with an estimated cost of €430,000 is included in the 31 small or minor projects under €1 million, and is expected to be progressed directly by Kilkenny County Council with full funding from the OPW. The work will involve the construction of an embankment and flow diversion from the Ballyhale watercourse to the Little Arrigle River and will protect 25 properties when completed.
OPW has set up frameworks of consultants which the local authorities can also use to progress the design of each project and which will help to speed up the process to construction. It will be a matter for the Council to advance the scheme but it is hoped that its progression can commence soon. Once consultants are appointed to progress the scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies as well as the general public takes place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the scheme.
