Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2023
35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the timescale for the completion of the design of the Cavan town flood relief scheme; the expected timeline for submission of the planning application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49018/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCavan County Council is the lead authority in the delivery of Cavan Town Flood Relief Scheme. The Council is working in partnership with the Office of Public Works and funding for this scheme has been allocated under the €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030.
Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed to the scheme in May 2022. The development of Cavan Town Flood Relief Scheme is overseen by a project Steering Group with representatives meeting monthly typically from the OPW and Cavan County Council. There are five distinct, sequential and related stages in the scheme development. Aligned to the decision gateways of the Public Spending Code these are assessing the flood risk and identifying options; seeking planning consent, detailed design, construction and maintenance. Public consultation forms part of each stage and the project website, available on floodinfo.ie, provides updates on the scheme’s progress.
The proposed scheme may include a series of flood embankments and walls and will protect some 110 properties when completed. The scheme option is expected in Q2 2025 and the scheme is due to be submitted for planning in Q1 2026. This programme is subject to the risks and challenges to progressing all flood relief schemes.
