Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
359. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department has considered any proposals for flood relief works at Ballinhassig, Cork; and, if not, whether he will now consider same. [47779/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme – Ireland’s largest study of flood risk – was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two-thirds of the population against their risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. An output of the CFRAM Programme, the Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans provide the evidence for a proactive approach for designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities. The delivery of these Plans is supported by €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan 2021–2030 (NDP).
To date, 53 schemes have been completed, which are providing protection to over 12,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €1.9 billion.
The Plans identified an additional 150 flood relief schemes. The investment has allowed the OPW to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning, and construction to some 100 schemes. Developing these schemes is relying upon, very specialised engineering resources available in the country.
The OPW in partnership with Cork County Council are progressing a flood relief scheme to protect a number of residential properties in Ballinhassig, which have suffered flooding from the Owenabue River. A tender competition for a Consultancy Contract to provide engineering and environmental services to progress the Ballinhassig Flood Relief Scheme was first issued in late 2022. Tenders were received in Q1 2023. Following tender assessment, and discussions between Cork County Council and the OPW, as there was no tender submission which offered a value for money proposal, it was agreed that it was not possible to appoint a consultant for the project at that time. Cork County Council then worked in partnership with the OPW to adjust the requirements for the Consultancy Contract, in an effort to find a solution to provide professional services to deliver the Contract. The Consultancy Contract was retendered in Q3 2023, and it is planned to appoint a Consultant by the end of November 2023.
Cork County Council working in partnership with the OPW, with the assistance of the Consultant appointed, will work together to progress the scheme as expediently as possible.
