Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works in relation to the proposed flood relief scheme for Skibbereen the position is that the detailed design of the Scheme is nearing completion. The first stage of the procurement process for a civil works contractor to undertake the works has been commenced by Cork County Council, which is the Contracting Authority for the Scheme. Tender documents are likely to be issued to a short listed number of contractors in early August with a contractor expected to be appointed in late 2014, subject to Confirmation of the Scheme i.e. formal approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as required under the Arterial Drainage Acts.

In relation to Bandon, detailed design of the flood relief scheme is now almost completed. The first stage of the procurement process for a civil works contractor was commenced in November 2013. However, following a legal challenge the OPW terminated the process. The OPW will recommence the pre-qualification process very shortly. The effect of having to re-run the process has meant that construction works are now expected to commence in the first quarter of 2015 rather than the previously anticipated start time of September 2014. However, the delay in starting the works does not affect the completion date of the Scheme, which will still be programmed for completion towards the end of 2016. The reason for this is that the Scheme requires two summer seasons of channel works due to environmental constraints, and the scheme programme provides that works would take place in the summers of 2015 and 2016. The commencement of construction will of course, be dependent upon Confirmation of the Scheme. Construction of each of the schemes is likely to take 18–24 months to complete. The OPW has provided for the cost of the schemes in its multi-annual budget profiles for the period 2014-2017.