Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)

Gabhaim buíochas to Deputy Collins for raising this important issue. I know it is very important to the Deputy and his constituents. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran.

To date, 56 flood relief schemes have been completed, which are providing protection to over 13,850 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. Through the national catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme, the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. This studied the flood risk from rivers and the sea for two thirds of the population. The Government’s flood risk management plans, an output of CFRAM, provided the evidence for a proactive approach to designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities.

Since 2018, the Government has trebled the number of flood relief schemes at design and construction to some 100 schemes. It is not possible to progress all 150 flood relief schemes identified by the flood risk management plans simultaneously, due to the limited availability of the professional and specialised engineering and other skills that are required to design and construct flood relief schemes. Under the national delivery model, Cork County Council is leading the delivery of six flood relief schemes in the first tranche, including Bantry flood relief scheme, with nine schemes planned in the second tranche. The OPW is funding nine staff in Cork County Council to support the delivery of its programme of schemes.

The €60 million Bantry flood relief scheme is to protect up to 200 homes. The scheme consultants have identified an emerging preferred option, which is expected to be presented to the public before the end of this year. Submission of the scheme to planning is currently estimated for quarter 3 of 2027. The Deputy is correct in that it is estimated that construction will commence in 2031.

Cork County Council are advancing the Mill culvert upgrade project in Bantry ahead of the main flood relief scheme and Part 8 planning consent has been granted. Cork County Council has identified a consultant for the detailed design, contractor procurement and construction management of this project. The OPW recently approved funding to meet the costs associated with this stage of the project. Cork County Council is working with stakeholders including the OPW and Uisce Éireann on the overall funding proposal for the Mill culvert upgrade project. To mitigate damage from recurring flood events in Bantry, the OPW, since 2021, has approved some €335,000 to Cork County Council under the OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme, to strengthen its emergency response for the installation of non-return valves, purchase of pumps, large sandbags and Individual property protection for affected properties in Bantry.

Cork County Council is also progressing the installation of a screen in the Mill river as an interim measure and is engaging with the landowner concerned. Ballinascarthy flood risk was not included in the CFRAM programme. Cork County Council has confirmed that three properties did flood in Ballinascarthy earlier this year when the Owenreagh river broke its banks, and the council has reviewed this flooding issue. I understand there is a drainage district, which is a scheme constructed before the passing of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, located in the vicinity of Ballinascarthy village and that Cork County Council is responsible for its ongoing maintenance.

Localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address, and local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources. Cork County Council can apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.

A consultant's report with respect to a remedial works application to address flood risk to a number of properties in Ballylickey, which was submitted by Cork County Council to the Minister of State's office, is being examined. It will complete its examination of the report shortly and will then be writing to Cork County Council on the matter.

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