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

I am advised by the Office of Public Works that a major flood relief scheme for Donegal town was identified in the flood risk management plans for the north-western river basin. The proposed project, at a preliminary cost estimate of €8.5 million, consists of floodwater storage and a series of flood embankments and walls, which will provide flood protection to approximately 73 properties when completed. The flood scheme will be funded through the Government's €1.3 billion allocation for flood risk management, funded through the national development plan up to 2030.

While the proposed project to which Deputy Doherty refers, and to which I have alluded in my committee appearances, is not part of the first phase of projects to be progressed, the Office of Public Works and Donegal County Council are working closely with the intention of delivering the scheme within the timeframe of the current national development plan, subject to no external and unforeseen challenges, which, unfortunately, do arise, for example, through the planning process. The Office of Public Works works closely with its local authority delivery partners at all times to strive to expedite and progress capital relief works with the minimum delay within the resources available to it.

Once consultants are appointed to progress this scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies as well as the general public will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the scheme.

In addition, the Office of Public Works minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme provides funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies costing less than €750,000 each to address localised flooding in individual areas. In 2019, funding to Donegal County Council amounting to €369,000 was provided for a scheme in Donegal town. The works include upgrade works to walls along the riverbank, installation of three large-diameter non-return valves, replacement of the existing culvert, removal of overhanging trees from the riverbanks and associated works. These works are being progressed by Donegal County Council.

As the Deputy will be aware, 15 projects were identified in County Donegal under the flood risk management plans announced in 2018. Following consultation and discussions between the Office of Public Works and Donegal County Council, six of the projects were selected and are being progressed in the first phase of implementation in addition to a project already being progressed for Raphoe.

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