Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Baile Bhuirne and Ballymakeera scheme is currently at outline design stage and the preferred options for the scheme are being finalised.

A submission to the National Parks and Wildlife Service was approved, allowing the scheme to progress to site investigations, at which point the results will inform the preferred options of the scheme. A surveying contractor was appointed in September 2017 to carry out a site investigation survey. On-site survey works were completed in November 2017 and the results of the site investigation will determine the preferred options and assist in developing realistic costings.

It is proposed to hold a second public information day followed by a public exhibition of the preferred scheme in the first half of 2018. When these stages are successfully completed and the proposals are broadly accepted by the public and stakeholders and the scheme is deemed technically, environmentally and economically viable, it will proceed to detailed design stage and secure formal confirmation by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts.

My office continues to liaise with Cork County Council and local representatives on the scheme. I assure the Deputy that my office has included provision for the estimated costs of the proposed works in its financial profile in the period up to 2021.

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