Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2019
175. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the CFRAMS flood mitigation works at Lifford, Castlefinn, Ballybofey and Stranorlar, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48536/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFifteen projects were identified in County Donegal arising from the Flood Risk Management Plans that I announced in May 2018. Following consultation and discussions between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Donegal County Council (DCC), six of the Donegal projects have been selected to be progressed in the first phase of implementation.
Lifford, County Donegal
The proposed Lifford Flood Relief Scheme is part of the first phase of projects emanating from the Programme of Investment in Flood Relief Measures, which was announced in May 2018. The proposed measures consists of a series of flood embankments and walls with an estimated early indicative cost of €5.9m. The engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in October 2019 to develop and bring forward viable proposals for the areas that are affected by flooding.
Castlefinn, County Donegal
The proposed flood relief scheme for Castlefinn is in the first phase of implementation and has an estimated early indicative cost of €1.75m. It has been agreed that the scheme is to be progressed by DCC with funding to be provided by the OPW.
The proposed measures consists of a series of flood embankments and walls and associated drainage works. Tendering for the required design consultants is expected to commence shortly.
Ballybofey and Stranorlar, County Donegal
The proposed flood relief scheme for Ballybofey and Stranorlar has an estimated early indicative cost of €1.92m and consists of hard defences and improvement of channel conveyance.
While the proposed flood relief scheme for Ballybofey and Stranorlar is not in the first phase of projects to be advanced, both the OPW and DCC will work closely to ensure that the project will be progressed as early as possible in the coming years and within the 10-year timeframe for the programme of investment.
Funding of €157,500 was approved in 2018 under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for a project at Ballybofey and Stranorlar. The works comprise the removal of vegetation and trees on the embankment, the removal of silt, gravels and boulder deposits and construction of pumps/pumping areas and Ground Investigation works along the Flood Embankments. The project is being led by Donegal County Council, who are proceeding with its planning.
