Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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71. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an update on flood prevention measures being undertaken in Rathcormac, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5074/25]

Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I wish both the Minister and the Minister of State well in their roles. I look forward to working closely with them.

Could I get an update on flood prevention measures being undertaken in Rathcormac, County Cork, and if he will make a statement on the matter?

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I congratulate the Deputy. In the past, I had a great working relationship with his predecessor, so I look forward to working with him in the future.

To date, six communities across Cork county are protected from significant flood risk by completed flood relief schemes. Through the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme, the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. It is not possible to progress all 150 flood relief schemes identified by the 2018 flood risk management plans simultaneously, due to the limited availability of the required professional and specialised engineering skills. However, the Government is committed to funding these projects through the €1.3 billion available under the national development plan.

Since 2018, and working with local authorities, the OPW has trebled, to 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design and construction. The flood risk management plans identified 15 additional flood relief schemes for Cork county. Under the national delivery model, Cork County Council is leading the delivery of six flood relief schemes with nine planned in the next phase, including Rathcormac and Castlemartyr. The OPW is funding nine engineering staff in the council to support its delivery of this programme of schemes.

The OPW is piloting a new delivery model to inform the most efficient delivery to be applied for the future 50 tranche 2 schemes nationally, including Rathcormac. The OPW understands that the council progressed interim flood mitigation measures for Rathcormac, which were funded under local climate adaptation and resilience grants. These works included the installation of a flood embankment, the upgrade of storm infrastructure, drainage channel clearing and works to roads to improve drainage.

Cork County Council can introduce localised flood mitigation measures in Rathcormac with 90% funding from the OPW's minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme ahead of a flood relief scheme commencing. Under the minor works scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000. Rathcormac is included in the Midleton and east Cork individual property protection scheme, which is a Cork County Council scheme with €5.8 million funding from the OPW. Under this scheme, property owners who experienced flooding during Storm Babet in October 2023 may be eligible to apply for receipt of individual property protection measures. Property surveys are currently ongoing, with floodgate delivery to suitable properties commencing in the coming weeks.

Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his response and for the update. I commend the officials in the OPW and Cork County Council, and the previous Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell, on the work done to date, and the establishment of the individual property protection scheme for east Cork.

While I acknowledge that areas such as Midleton, Castlemartyr, Mogeely and Killeagh were devastated by the flooding caused by Storm Babet in October 2023, I must highlight the plight of Rathcormac, which has long been identified as a flood risk. This, unfortunately, came to pass following Storm Babet, with many properties devastated by flooding. This is something that will forever be remembered in the community. I have no doubt that those who were impacted will continue to be fearful of a repeat whenever the area is subject to prolonged rainfall. I acknowledge that Rathcormac is included in tranche 2 of the CFRAM programme, but is there a possibility of it being prioritised for works and included under tranche 1 of the programme?

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I set out the details regarding Rathcormac. There is availability through the minor works scheme for the local authority to come to my Department to seek funding under that scheme, while we wait for the bigger scheme. We are looking at a pilot scheme for tranche 2, which Rathcormac comes under, but the pilot scheme is not yet finished. I understand it is a year from completion.

The minor works scheme is the Deputy's best option at this time to try to help the people at Rathcormac with future flooding resistance. I will visit the area. I know the Deputy has sought that in recent weeks. I will let him know when the visit is happening. I will call and see the people myself.

Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I again thank the Minister of State for his response. I previously mentioned his predecessor and the good work he did within the Department. When he visited areas in east Cork last year, unfortunately, he did not get the opportunity to visit Rathcormac. Following the Minister of State's response, I would appreciate it if he could get an opportunity to visit. The people of Rathcormac would be very grateful for that. His visit would reassure them that work will be done in the near future. I thank him very much for his response. It is very positive that he will visit as soon as possible.