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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 39 and 56 together.

As Deputy Stanton is aware, Cork County Council is leading the design of the Midleton flood relief scheme and, in 2017, appointed engineering and environmental consultants. The process follows a number of stages from feasibility through design, planning, detailed design and construction. It is important that the work be done correctly and achieve its objectives. Extensive and detailed technical analysis is required to establish the most appropriate solution from a range of possible mitigation options.

Midleton has proven to be one of the most complex schemes, with flooding coming from four different sources. The preferred scheme has now been identified, with a total project budget of €50 million. When complete, it will provide protection to 580 properties.

At this time, an assessment of the recent flood event is being undertaken and will provide further evidence to support the preferred option for a scheme for Midleton, allowing the consent process for the scheme to commence. This assessment will identify any interim measures that can be progressed in advance of the scheme. The Office of Public Works and local authorities do not have powers to expedite these schemes arising from damage caused by flood events, and the delivery of all schemes must meet regulatory requirements.

I met Cork County Council in the flooding’s immediate aftermath. The OPW has pledged its support by way of interim measures that we believe might be able to be facilitated if Cork County Council works up the requisite application under what is called the minor works scheme. We discussed this at length in Cork County Hall.

Perhaps the Deputy has a supplementary question he wishes to put to me.

See this speech in context