Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
98. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the Office of Public Works projects in County Mayo currently in progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48344/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI will outline those flood projects currently in progress by the Office of Public Works.
On 22 September, I was delighted to unveil a plaque in Carrowholly marking the substantial completion of the Carrowholly Flood Relief scheme. This scheme is protecting 14 properties at a cost of €984,000. The scheme is one of some 40 schemes and €2.3 million approved investment in County Mayo by the OPW, since 2009 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
I also recently (22 September) marked the start of construction of a flood relief scheme at the Cois Abhainn and Ashwood Estates in Westport. The approved scheme, when complete in Spring 2023, will protect 15 properties at an estimated budget of €1.181 million.
The OPW has submitted documentation to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for Ministerial Confirmation for a flood relief scheme in Crossmolina. The scheme, when completed, is expected to provide protection to 116 properties from the River Deel. The total budget for the scheme is currently estimated at €14.6 million with a construction duration of 4 years.
In Ballina, an emerging preferred option for a flood relief scheme has been identified. The recommended measures comprise hard defences, improving existing culvert capacities and also utilising upstream flood water storage facilities. An application for Part 10 Planning Approval is expected to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in Q1 of 2023. The proposed scheme is expected to provide protection for 175 properties with a construction period of 2 years.
A Feasibility Study was carried out in connection with Flood Relief for the Neale/South Mayo area in 2021. The report estimated a cost of works at €6.4m. In June of this year, I met with Deputy Ring and a delegation of the local community to discuss how a viable scheme might be identified and progressed. Mayo County Council has finalised and submitted to the OPW, for review, a feasibility study report. Having finalised its review the OPW will convene a meeting with Mayo County Council and the Department of Transport to discuss possible funding options for a viable scheme for this area, given the majority of benefits are to roads and road access.
