Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
104. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the level of spend by the OPW on the Crossmolina flood relief scheme since 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56394/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2020, the Office of Public Works (OPW) submitted the documentation for confirmation for the Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, under the Arterial Drainage Act of 1945, as amended. As part of this process, the Department sought and the OPW provided it with supplementary information in July 2021.
The Department advised that a further Public Consultation would be appropriate, to include this supplementary information, and held that consultation between 6 May and 1 July 2022.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has engaged consultants to examine the submissions received under the public consultation process resulting from the supplementary information provided to them during the Confirmation process. This work is ongoing and upon completion, the Minister will take into account all relevant information as prescribed in the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, as amended and make a decision on whether to confirm the scheme in accordance with Section 7E(1).
Work on this scheme started in 2012. Spend to date is €1.7m and €1.6m of this is since 2015 for the design of the scheme and the associated environmental assessments. This also includes costs of consultants, surveys and site investigations.
The OPW remain committed to constructing a flood relief scheme for Crossmolina that can protect 106 properties.
In addition, Mayo County Council has drawn down some €230,000 under the OPW's Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme since 2009, to provide some localised flood solutions. These works include reconstructing walls, purchase of pumps, removal of shrubbery and installation of flood gates.
