Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have had occasion a number of times in recent years, including in the Deputy's company once or twice, to visit areas that have been flooded and to witness first-hand the devastation experienced by homeowners, farmers and business people when the flood waters come in. I also know that flood relief schemes work. Approximately 50 schemes have been done in the past ten or 11 years in Bandon, Mahon, around the River Tolka in Dublin and other places, and they work. We have approximately 90 schemes in train and it is important that we get them done. The budget for flood risk management plans is more than €1.3 billion and it has been trebled so significant investment is going into flood relief schemes.

The south Galway Gort lowlands flood relief scheme is a priority for the Deputy, the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, and Deputy Cannon. It is planned for that scheme to protect 150 properties and the area has been subject to flooding quite regularly, including in 1994, 1995, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2020. It is much needed. The scheme is at stage one and consultant engineers were appointed back in 2017. There has been significant public and stakeholder consultation. Environmental assessments are being undertaken for the preferred scheme, which involves an integrated mechanism to move water through overflow pipes across turloughs in the area. The ability to build a €20 million scheme in this area is a challenge and might require the removal of significant volumes of clay with limited access routes. Other challenges include environmental risks and the cost-benefit of a preferred scheme. If a viable scheme is identified, a submission for planning is programmed to take place next year.

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