Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this matter. I welcome the opportunity to provide an update on the progress being made on the proposed flood relief scheme for Crossmolina. I would like to say at the outset that I fully appreciate the frustration of the local community and Senator Mulherin at the delays that have arisen on the project. I assure the Senator that these delays were due to legitimate technical issues that needed to be fully and properly examined.

The main outstanding technical issue relates to finalising the design for an additional in-stream flow-control structure. This is required in order to minimise the environmental impact of the diversion channel on the River Deel. The required assessment of the ecological and environmental constraints associated with the in-stream works that would be required for the proposed flow-control structure are now nearing completion, which will allow the detailed design of the project to be completed. The project team is ensuring that any tasks that can be progressed in parallel with the above environmental assessment are prioritised in order to minimise any programme delays. It is anticipated that the detailed design and preparation of the relevant documentation should be completed to allow the proposed scheme to be submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for formal confirmation before the end of the year.Following confirmation and tendering, it is anticipated that the scheme will progress to construction in the second half of 2020. Once the proposed scheme is confirmed, the OPW will contact landowners directly to provide information and advice prior to construction commencing.

As the Senator knows, I completely understand the stress that the threat of flooding causes. I am as anxious as anyone to ensure that the Crossmolina scheme is brought to construction stage and completed as quickly as possible. We must ensure, however, that we are delivering a scheme that adheres to all legislation, including Irish and European environmental legislation. As I am sure Senator Mulherin can appreciate, the delivery of a robust scheme that meets these standards and the needs of the local community is complex and cannot be rushed. Any breach of our obligations under Irish and European environmental legislation could halt the scheme and result in further delays.

The option of dredging in the River Deel has already been given serious consideration as a measure to alleviate flooding in Crossmolina. While various dredging options have been examined, it has been found that dredging on its own would not reduce flood levels sufficiently to prevent flooding of properties in the town. Dredging on the scale required to avoid flooding would also have a serious adverse impact on the Jack Garrett bridge and would be very difficult to justify on environmental grounds given the protected status of the river. The most feasible solution is to proceed with the planned channel diversion option.

As the Senator is aware, both the OPW and Mayo County Council, working in collaboration with the local flood action group, have been proactive in implementing interim flood protection measures in Crossmolina pending the construction of the permanent defences. These include individual property protection, IPP, and a number of minor works schemes. I am advised that floodgates have now been installed in more than 100 properties under the IPP scheme.

The OPW has demonstrated its commitment to providing whatever interim protection measures it can and I assure this House that the OPW will continue to work constructively with Mayo County Council and the local flood action group in this regard. As a person who has visited the town, Crossmolina is a priority for me. The Senator said at the outset that a great number of floods have taken place in the area over the years. Since I became responsible for the Office of Public Works, I have prioritised Crossmolina. I have been working with the Minister, Deputy Ring, other Deputies, and the Senator all that time. We went down there and displayed the scheme. It is a €10 million project. The flood scheme includes a diversion of 1.3 km. It is not simple mathematics. Sometimes in politics we listen to those on the outside, where everyone has the answers, but when we get into the detail to make sure that everything is correct, we must ensure that every scheme in which the OPW is involved leaves the place in a hell of a lot better condition than it was found. No scheme has ever breached. We have always worked in conjunction with the local authorities and local groups.

People in Crossmolina have been in contact with me. The Senator is right when she says that there was nearly flooding again a few weeks ago. I was on the phone to the Minister, Deputy Ring, and Deputy Calleary all night outlining the levels and heights. I apologise that I did not send the Senator a text in that regard. I feel the concern of those people just as I feel the Senator's concern today. I assure the Senator that I am doing everything I can.