Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2019
119. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when works for Carndonagh, County Donegal, will commence under the flood relief measure scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1925/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May 2018 I launched 29 Flood Risk Management Plans for all the main river basins identifying a total of 118 flood relief projects to protect the main flood risk areas throughout the country. These Plans and projects are a key part of the overall flood risk management strategy set out in the National Development Plan 2017 - 2028 involving total investment of almost €1 billion over the ten year time frame of that Plan. As it is not possible to implement all of the 118 projects at the one time, a total of 50 projects were prioritised for the initial tranche of investment and delivery based on the level of risk and number of properties to be protected.
15 flood relief projects have been identified for County Donegal as part of the 118 projects in total included in the Flood Risk Management Plans. Following consultation and discussions between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Donegal County Council, 6 of the Donegal projects have been identified to be progressed in a first phase of implementation and the OPW and the Council will be working closely over the coming year to progress these projects. Plans are currently being put together to appoint consultants over the coming months for each of the projects to be advanced in the first phase.
The proposed project at Carndonagh, Co. Donegal at an estimated cost of €5m, which includes the provision of hard defences along with the provision of upstream storage areas, will provide flood protection to approximately 42 properties when completed. The proposed scheme is not in the first phase of projects to be progressed but the OPW and Donegal County Council will work closely to ensure that it will be commenced in the coming years and within the 10 year timeframe for the programme of investment.
