Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2020
85. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress on the recommended works on the River Santry between Raheny village, Dublin 5, and the sea in order to alleviate the flood risk; and the detailed phases in the planning, design and implementation of works proposed both in respect of dredging and of the needed increase in culvert capacity. [16343/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Raheny (Santry River) Flood Protection Project was initiated and carried out by Dublin City Council following major fluvial flooding in 1986, 2008, 2009 and 2011. The first phase was constructed in 2013 and comprised of works to attenuate flood flows upstream of Harmonstown Road Bridge. Progression of a further Santry Flood Relief Scheme to augment the existing Scheme was identified as part of Fingal East Meath Flood Risk Assessment & Management Study (FEM FRAM). The proposed further scheme consists of flood walls and embankments and will protect 41 properties when completed.
In May 2018, 29 Flood Risk Management Plans were launched for the main river basins in Ireland, identifying a total of 118 flood relief projects to protect the main flood risk areas throughout the country including the proposed further works for Santry. These Plans and projects are a key part of the overall flood risk management strategy set out in the National Development Plan 2018 - 2027, involving total investment of almost €1 billion over the ten-year timeframe of that Plan.
As it is not possible to implement all of the 118 projects at the one time, a total of 60 projects have been prioritised for the initial tranche of investment and delivery, based on the level of risk and number of properties to be protected. While the proposed scheme for Santry is not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed, the OPW and the local authority will work closely to ensure that they will be commenced as soon as possible within the 10-year timeframe for the programme of investment.
Once consultants are appointed to progress the scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the scheme.
