Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
166. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the stage at which the proposed Buncrana and Luddan, County Donegal, flood scheme is; the proposed capital works involved; and when it is likely to be delivered. [3011/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Buncrana and Luddan, County Donegal, flood scheme can be split into separate schemes (details supplied). [3012/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.
In 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, six 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 Buncrana and Luddan, Co. Donegal was assessed as a single project within the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) process and it is not currently proposed to progress separate elements of the proposed project as the progression of a piecemeal design on any project can result in the overall effectiveness of that project being compromised.
The proposed project at Buncrana and Luddan, Co. Donegal, at an estimated cost of €3.3m, consists of a series of sea walls, flood embankments and flood walls, which will provide flood protection to approximately 32 properties when completed. While the proposed project is not in the first phase of projects to be progressed, 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.
