Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 May 2018
72. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timescale for the progression of the flood prevention programme in Ballina as per the recent CFRAM announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24083/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 3rd May, 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which proposed 118 new outline flood relief projects, in addition to 42 major projects already completed, and 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW). As it is not possible to progress all 118 proposed new schemes at once, 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. Aside from the 5 largest schemes and the 31 small or minor projects, the remaining projects in the initial phase of implementation were selected on the basis of those projects which would provide the greatest benefit in terms of the largest number of properties protected on a regionally balanced basis.
The proposed flood relief scheme at Ballina, Co. Mayo has been identified by the CFRAM programme to be progressed at a projected cost of €8.2 million. This proposed scheme involves the construction of a number of new quay walls and flood defences walls, together with two pumping stations, to manage surface water and fluvial flooding behind the river walls. The scheme will protect 167 properties when completed. The proposed scheme is in the first tranche of projects to be progressed, and the OPW is currently writing to all local authorities regarding arrangements for the progression of these prioritised projects. While it is not possible to provide a definite timescale for the progression of the Ballina scheme, it is hoped that the process for appointment of consultants will be commenced in the near future.
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.
