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Flood Prevention Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (136)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

136. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood defence works in Athlone, County Westmeath; and the timeline for the completion of flood defences. [9557/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Westmeath County Council (WCC) working in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW) is advancing proposals to deal with the flooding issues in Athlone.  WCC is the Contracting Authority and the OPW is funding the costs of the flood relief works for the town in addition to undertaking the construction works using its own direct labour.

Engineering consultants were appointed in April 2017 to identify appropriate flood risk alleviation measures for Athlone.  The Options Appraisal Report identified eight discrete cells of flood defence works. These flood cells are each being progressed individually under Part 8 or Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations with works being undertaken by the OPW’s own workforce, as a direct managed scheme.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions all construction activities were halted from the 27th March 2020. Works recommenced on the 18th of May 2020 under the HSE Return to Work Safely protocols

The current status of each flood cell is set out in the following table.

Table 1:

Flood Cell

Status

FC1   – Deerpark

Part 8 planning granted in   September 2018 with works commencing in mid 2019. Anticipated completion by end 2021.

FC2   – The Strand

Part 8 planning granted in May, 2018   with construction works commencing in mid    2019. Anticipated completion by end 2021

FC3   – The Quay

Part   8 planning granted September, 2017 with construction works commencing May,   2018. Anticipated completion end of 2020.

FC4   – Brick Island

Part   8 planning granted January, 2018 with construction works commencing in April   2018. Anticipated completion is early 2021.

FC5   – Marine View

Part   8 planning granted March, 2018 with construction works commencing in the   third quarter of 2019. Anticipated completion is the end of 2021.

FC6   – Iona Park

Construction   is complete. 

FC7   – River Al (Cregan)

Environmental   Impact Assessment (EIA) is currently in hand.    Planning approval and subsequent construction commencement dates are   dependent on EIA findings

FC8   – Golden Island

Part   8 planning granted September, 2018. Detailed design is being reviewed prior   to the commencement of construction works. It is expected works will commence this year and take   15/16 months to complete.

All construction works for the Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021 but the delay caused by Covid-19 may push some works into 2022.

 When completed, the project will provide flood protection to approximately 560 properties.

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