John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will meet a club (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the action which is to be taken arising from the flooding of their pitch on a constant basis since the flood relief scheme was completed at the water barrack, Kilkenny; the agreement which is in place with the local authority to clean the dirt grid at the location which is the cause of some of the flooding; if the level of the pitch will be raised by the Office of Public Works to prevent the flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1324/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The playing field in question is located at the Waterbarracks area of Kilkenny, adjacent to the River Breagagh upstream of Blackcat bridge. The playing field is owned by the local authority. The purpose of the River Nore — Kilkenny City — drainage scheme is to protect homes and business affected by flooding. The scheme sought to maintain natural floodplains where possible. The natural floodplains retained are those where the impact on homes and businesses is at a minimum. The playing fields at the Waterbarracks is one such area. This area has always been susceptible to flooding and will continue to flood during high river flows, when it acts as a flood plain. The retention of this area as a flood plain was a part of the exhibited flood relief scheme and was fully approved by the local authority. There are no plans in place to raise the level of this area of flood plain.

The purpose of the "dirt grid" or "trash rack" referred to by the Deputy is to trap flood debris upstream of the residential/commercial areas provided with flood protection by the drainage scheme. The trash rack is inspected and cleaned regularly by OPW staff. There is no arrangement in place with the local authority in respect of cleaning the rack as they have informed OPW that they do not have the resources to assist in this matter. As the trash rack is trapping debris other than flood debris, such as domestic rubbish, plastic bottles etc., it is planned to widen the width between the grids of the rack. In this way, the trash rack will continue to fulfil its function of trapping flood debris, but will allow most other debris to pass through it. This will maximise the efficiency of the rack and minimise any risk of accumulated debris causing flooding without an increase in floodwaters. The playing field area will continue to act as a flood plain when there is an increase in floodwaters. My officials will raise the possibility of cleaning the trash rack again with the local authority before carrying out the proposed alterations. I will arrange for officials from my office to meet with members of St. Anthony's Soccer Club.