Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his various questions. As he will be aware, the first public consultation for the Ballinasloe flood relief scheme took place in March and it is hoped to complete the feasibility study for this project and bring the scheme to public exhibition in the third quarter of next year. Subject to the consent process under the Arterial Drainage Acts, it is currently estimated that construction will begin in early 2023 and it is anticipated that the work will take around two years to complete.

That is where that project stands.

On the Roscommon flood relief scheme to which the Deputy referred, the OPW and Roscommon County Council have met recently to discuss the status of that project and the OPW has informed me that it is looking to progress it at the earliest opportunity. I will ask the OPW to revert to the Deputy with some specific timings on that.

On the different schemes to which the Deputy referred, I remember all of the discussions we had, including in respect of the relocation scheme and the need to move particular properties. A number of homeowners availed of the scheme, which is why it was set up. I will follow up on the reason for its closure because I recall the debates the Deputy and I had. He correctly stated that it is more cost-effective and appropriate to ask and encourage a small number of families to move rather than putting a large amount of investment into schemes that would be very expensive, particularly in view of the number of homes that would be protected.

The Deputy also referred to minor works. I think we are talking about the same thing but if we are not, I know he will tell me so. I refer to the minor flood mitigation work programme. I understand that for 2019 alone, €5 million in funding was made available to local authorities for that programme and that this led to 50 different flood relief schemes being put in place. I am sure the OPW is planning to continue that scheme.

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