Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
120. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the progress of flood defences planned for Dundalk Bay, County Louth; to outline if additional funding will be made available for flood defences in north Louth following the damage done in November 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5285/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo deliver the proposed measures set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans for County Louth, Louth County Council (LCC), working with the Office of Public Works (OPW), has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk/Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford/ Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed. The funding for these schemes has been allocated under the €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030. Funding of just over €4.3 million has been provided to LCC across these major schemes since 2018. The allocation of funding to LCC in 2024 is €2.3 million, this funding will allow the schemes and flood relief measures to progress without funding constraints.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee projects are being progressed simultaneously and engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. The proposed scheme will protect some 1,880 properties when completed. The scheme option for Dundalk/Blackrock South is expected in 2024 and Ardee options report is currently under review by the steering group.
Consultants for the Drogheda and Baltray schemes were appointed in September 2021. The proposed scheme will protect some 425 properties when completed. The scheme option is expected by the end of 2024.
The Carlingford and Greenore scheme is being progressed by LCC and OPW. LCC estimate that about 50 houses and 6 businesses were impacted by flooding in Carlingford on 30th October 2023. In the aftermath of the flooding drone footage was captured and surveying of the area arranged. OPW met with LCC in November 2023 to assess the flood mechanisms and damages from this event and will help to inform the proposed scheme for Carlingford/Greenore. Officials from the OPW & Louth County Council met on 11th December 2023 to discuss progression and next steps for the scheme. Survey specifications have been developed and will be tendered shortly.
While the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified. The OPW is reviewing the flood risk in these communities.
As well as funding for major flood relief schemes, funding of circa €1.9m has been approved for LCC under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme since 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
Applications for funding are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €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 cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie. The OPW welcome applications for funding under this scheme and is happy to engage with LCC in this regard.
