Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
440. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the discussions between the OPW and Meath County Council in respect of progressing proposals for additional flood relief works, as identified by the catchment flood risk assessment and management programme. [42270/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current position in relation to flood relief works in County Meath is outlined below.
Mornington
There is an existing Flood Relief Scheme in place in Mornington, Co. Meath providing protection to 162 properties. The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM) identified potentially viable flood relief works for Mornington that may be implemented after project level assessment and would provide protection to an additional 52 properties. As part of the CFRAM assessment two flood cells were identified, one of which will be incorporated as part of the existing Arterial Drainage Scheme for Mornington. RPS were commissioned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to review and update the existing CFRAM study carried out in late 2015 for the other Mornington Flood Cell. This work has now been completed and the study has been provided to Meath County Council and a response from Meath County Council is awaited.
Northlands
The Northlands Flood Relief Scheme commenced in November, 2016. Construction of this scheme, consisted of in-situ reinforced concrete walls and precast concrete “U-channels”, and was carried out by the OPW (direct works), and was substantially completed in Q1 of 2018.
There is currently a Steering Group in place with representatives from the Office of Public Works, Meath County Council and a design consultant to progress a design for a culvert upgrade as an extension to the Northlands Flood Relief Scheme.
Works commenced on this culvert in August 2022 with completion of these works anticipated for Q4 of 2022.
Ashbourne
The construction of the Ashbourne Flood Alleviation Scheme commenced in January, 2019 and is being carried out by the OPW (direct works). Construction is due to be substantially completed in Q4 of 2022. The scheme will comprise of the construction of an overflow weir to divert flow to the Broadmeadow River and the improvement of the channel and culvert capacity along the Broadmeadow and Ward Scheme. It will provide protection against a 100 year flood event for 69 properties.
Coastal Erosion
Local flooding and coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a benefit cost ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.opw.ie.
In March, 2022, Meath County Council received funding of €90,000 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for a study of coastal erosion on the Meath coastline, from the Boyne Estuary to the mouth of the Delvin River.
Navan
Navan Scheme Viability Review (SVR): Navan was identified as an Area for Further Assessment (AFA) under the Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (ECFRAM) Study. No economically viable flood relief options were identified under the CFRAM Study for Navan, although a technical solution was identified.
OPW have been working in partnership with Meath County Council to undertake a review of the viability of a flood relief scheme for Navan. This SVR is now completed, however it was identified as not being viable on its own. The progression of a Flood Relief Scheme for Navan should be re-considered in case of a multi-faceted project including an upgrade to the Dublin Road. The sharing of costs and integration of flood relief measures into such a road project is likely to improve the viability of a scheme for Navan.
Navan has also been identified as being vulnerable to change in flood flows arising from climate change, and so should be flagged for further review in future Flood Risk Assessment and Flood Risk Management Programme cycles, and should also be included in future Climate Change Scheme Adaptation Plans, if or when hydrometric evidence indicates a clear rise in flood flow values.
