Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

This Adjournment matter also relates to flooding, in Donegal of all places. We are getting use to that happening, even though there are hills and mountains. There were incidences of flooding in two particular areas and I am going to refer to Raphoe in the heart of the Finn valley where, in 2006 and 2007, there were a number of flooding events. Following that, in conjunction with Donegal County Council and the Office of Public Works, Jacobs Consulting Engineers were appointed to carry out a comprehensive study. They have now completed the study and have issued the final version of the flood study which has been accepted by both Donegal County Council and the OPW.

The flood study began with computer modelling of the town's drainage system using survey data provided by the council and land survey information provided by the OPW. Once the drainage system was modelled, the consultants recreated the flood events of 2006 and 2007 using local weather data for those days and predicted the flood depths at particular locations. These were then compared with the actual flood depths that occurred on the ground before the model was fine-tuned. The engineers then considered the properties in the area and estimated the monetary value of the damage to properties in Raphoe if no remedial works were undertaken by either the council or the OPW. This assessment was based on the numbers and types of properties that would be affected. This is the common benchmark for justification of all flood relief schemes. The engineers found the damages would amount to €4,424,000 if nothing was done. They then assessed the environmental constraints of the Raphoe area to ensure any proposal would not adversely impact on the sites of cultural, historical and environmental significance in the area, of which there are many.

Once complete, the engineers initially considered 20 flood relief options, of which 13 were structural and seven were non-structural. Initial screening discounted eight of the options, four structural and four non-structural. The remaining 12 options were considered in more detail. Three of the remaining 12, one of which was structural and two of which were non-structural, were then recommended. These broke down into public awareness, individual property flood resistance and channel maintenance. The remaining nine options - one non-structural and eight structural - were then considered in more detail.

Without going into them, the study found that no option would lead to the complete alleviation of flooding in Raphoe. The engineers considered the value of the benefits of each option to the town of Raphoe against the cost of implementation. This appraisal found that six options were technically and economically viable and capable of reducing the flood risk in Raphoe, namely, land use management, storage, increased conveyance, construction of defences, overland run-off and overland run-off into flood areas. The report of the engineers found that the six options would need to be subject to feasibility studies and evaluated in more detail. It recommended that further investigation be undertaken in Raphoe, including a survey of property thresholds etc.

The next stage of the project appears to involve the council, in conjunction with and with the prior approval of the OPW, in seeking to commission a feasibility study of the potential viable options as indicated in the report. I understand there has been communication between the council and the OPW and that the former is waiting for approval to proceed with a feasibility study which I hope will be undertaken in the short term. While it may not be possible tonight to be given a date for approval, I want to highlight that the council has done as much work as it can and that the matter is now one for the OPW. Were approval forthcoming, I understand the feasibility study could commence immediately. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.