Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I will answer this question on behalf of my colleague, the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan. I am advised that further to the Deputy’s previous questions on this matter, Galway City Council, as project sponsor and contracting authority, is leading the development of the Coirib go Cósta – Galway city flood relief scheme, with technical advice and funding being provided by the Office of Public Works.

The objective of the Coirib go Cósta project is to assess, design and deliver a viable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme, which has a preliminary total project budget estimate of €9.5 million and when complete will protect more than 940 properties in the Long Walk, Spanish Arch, Eglinton Canal, Merchants Quay, Raven Terrace, Salthill and Claddagh areas of Galway city from tidal and river flooding.

The scheme is in stage 1 and the preliminary draft options for the scheme are programmed to be presented to the general public towards the end of this year. It is programmed that stage 2 will begin towards the end of 2023, with the scheme expected to be submitted for planning approval to An Bord Pleanála in the third quarter of 2024, following the completion of all environmental assessments.

The scheme represents a significant investment for Galway city, which will be undertaken with due consideration for regulatory, planning, environmental and social constraints, while achieving the goal of delivering a viable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway city.

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