Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy again for raising this. I do not underestimate the stress for everyone involved in this in the Midleton area.

As outlined in my initial response, discussions are ongoing between the OPW and Cork County Council. The OPW expects those discussions to conclude within weeks. An assessment of advance works in Midleton is progressing. Advance works involve the delivery of certain elements of the main scheme in specific areas in advance of delivery of the whole scheme. An assessment of advance works is required to fully understand the impact of such works. Construction of isolated sections of defences to protect one area can increase risks at other locations and statutory planning consent may be required, as may environmental assessments.

Individual property protection is being considered as part of the overall suite of measures for Midleton in conjunction with interim and advance works. Cork County Council and the OPW are in the process of agreeing the scope and scale of an individual property protection scheme for Midleton. It is intended to roll out individual property protection on a targeted and phased basis across the village.

Cork County Council has submitted an updated application for Castlemartyr to the OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme. The application consists of proposed works, including increasing the height of the wall upstream of Castlemartyr bridge and the cleaning, widening and deepening of the river to improve flood conveyance. The OPW is processing the application as expeditiously as possible and continues to engage with Cork County Council.

The OPW understands that the council has assessed a number of possible options for interim flood relief measures at Gleann Fia, Mogeely and will appoint consultant engineers in the coming weeks to complete a detailed assessment that will include the impact on surrounding lands, given the karst nature of the area. The OPW continues to work with the council to identify viable interim measures for Mogeely, pending the completion of a flood relief scheme for the village as part of the Castlemartyr flood relief scheme.

Cork County Council has submitted an application for funding under the OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme for interim flood mitigation works in Killeagh. The proposed works include river cleaning, tree cutting and the removal of overhanging trees and branches and repairs to rock armour and guardrails. This application is currently under review by the OPW.

If there is any reassurance for the Deputy's constituents, it is that a lot of work is happening, but until all those measures are in place, they will not have the peace of mind they need. However, I am reassured by the response and by the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW that every effort is being made by the OPW, working in conjunction with Cork County Council, to bring about a resolution as quickly as possible.

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