Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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86. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the up-to-date position for a flood relief scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27806/25]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The threat of flooding in Ballyvourney and Ballymakeera is well recognised and is hugely stressful for householders facing it. Interim works have advanced, which brings peace of mind to homeowners, especially along the river bank. Will the Minister of State outline the timeframe for advancing the next stages of the major works?

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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There is a long history of flooding in Ballyvourney and Ballymakeera. The Office of Public Works, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is proactively progressing a preferred option for the viable flood relief scheme in Ballyvourney and Ballymakeera that will protect 90 properties from significant risk of flooding.

The OPW drafted an options report for a proposed flood relief scheme for the town over an extended period. It includes hydrological analysis, hydraulic modelling and flood mapping. The OPW also developed a river option for flooding alleviation and made a recommendation on a preferred option.

The likely environmental impact of the preferred option identified the potential impact on the protected freshwater pearl mussel and the necessity to consider a broad range of options to identify the most appropriate approach to managing flood risk prior to seeking consent. Cork County Council is the lead authority and is developing the scope of works for the engineering and environmental consultant to develop the most appropriate approach. The OPW is actively engaging with the local authority to finalise the consultancy brief.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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I acknowledge the interim works taking place until very recently, with diggers only moving off site in the last week or so. They definitely give peace of mind to householders, especially along the river bank. There is now a need to maintain momentum and push on with the major scheme. Work and studies were carried out on a major scheme for the area. Is the OPW starting a new major scheme or will it pick up some of the work done in the earlier studies, for example, on the freshwater pearl mussel, and build on it? If so, will the Minister of State outline the steps ahead and the likely timeframe?

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I am delighted the Deputy mentioned the interim work. Cork County Council commissioned consultants to complete the design of the interim work on flood measures for Ballyvourney and Ballymakeera. The Office of Public Works approved funding of €500,000 to Cork County Council under the OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme for the provision of temporary flood defence measures in the area. The works, which were completed recently, include a sandbag defence structure, increasing the ground level with ramps and the installation of two non-return valves.

This is a lot of work and it has been ongoing for some time. The Department is working closely with Cork County Council and the works are advancing. As the Deputy knows, there are options available and the consultants and the Department are working together closely. Interim measures were carried out but if there are other interim works that can be done, I ask the Deputy to raise them with the local authorities and we will fund them through the Department.

We come to this House every week and questions are put to us but I put it to Members that there is a lot we can do ourselves as regards working with the councils. The Government has provided the funding through the minor works scheme and is proactive in ensuring money is spent. In regard to the long-term solution the Deputy is seeking, we are working very closely with the local authorities to develop a plan.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The interim works are certainly a milestone. The focus and momentum need to be on the major scheme. Studies were conducted previously and it would make sense to use those earlier studies to inform the next stages. It would be madness to waste them and start again at square one. Will the work that was done previously inform or continue to inform the major works scheme? Can we establish that? What are the next steps on the major works scheme? Much of the focus has been on providing protection from flooding along the Sullane river. Will the possibility of flooding from other sources be included in the major scheme? We saw flooding come from the other side, in the pitch in Coláiste Ghobnatan, near Cluain Réidh and around the factories. Will those kinds of works be included in the major scheme or is there a way of advancing things ahead of that?

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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All studies to date will enhance the development of the scheme. I cannot give an up-to-date answer to the second part of the Deputy's question but I will visit his neck of the woods. I know he has raised this issue over and over again. I will meet the local authority to try to move this issue on. The interim works are good and help to alleviate some of the problem but the overall project is the delivery of the major scheme. I want to deliver that and I will work with the Deputy and Department closely on it.