Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the Ballyvourney and Ballymakeera flood relief scheme is currently at outline design stage and the OPW is working to schedule a public exhibition for the scheme at the end of this year. The Deputy will be aware that the flood risk for this area is complex, as he has raised the matter a couple of times. In my previous role in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, when I responded on behalf of the previous Minister with responsibility for the OPW I had recourse to answer questions asked by Deputy Moynihan so I am familiar with the case. The main sources of flooding along the River Sullane arise when the capacity of the river channel itself is exceeded, along with the three tributaries to the north of the village. The flood risk is also impacted from the storm network that can independently cause flooding through the gullies and overland flow.

As the Ballymakeera study area has the potential for a large number of flood relief options, it is essential that the environmental screening of each option is considered carefully, having regard to sensitive environmental constraints in the area. To date, these environmental considerations have included, among other matters, translocating pearl mussels. Currently, the project team is assessing the potential impact of any proposed flood relief measures on the high water quality status of the respective water body in the area around Baile Mhic Íre and Baile Bhuirne.

The OPW is working to provide proposals this year for public exhibition to inform a scheme that is technically, environmentally and economically able to proceed to detailed design stage and formal confirmation by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945. Following this confirmation, construction can commence. In the interim, in 2018 Cork County Council has been approved funding of €187,248 under the OPW's minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme for the provision of temporary flood defence measures, including a sandbag defence structure, two non-return valves at existing drainage outfalls and pumping sumps to allow over-pumping during flood events. In May 2018, 29 flood risk management plans for all the main river basins identified a total of 119 additional flood relief projects to protect the main flood risk areas.

See this speech in context