Written answers

Tuesday, 15 June 2010

8:00 am

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has proceeded with the work plan set out in the aftermath of the flooding in Cork; if the steering group led by the OPW and comprising Cork City Council, Cork County Council and the ESB has met; if so the number of meetings that have taken place; if the plan to model dam discharge scenarios and assess their flood extent and risk has been completed; if the inspection of the quay walls to identify gaps and low points has been completed; if the assessment of local flood protection works has been carried out; if structural assessment of quay walls has been completed; when the results of this work will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25330/10]

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study for the Lee catchment, a plan of prioritised flood risk mitigation measures was launched earlier this year as a Public Consultation document. The Plan identifies specific viable structural and non-structural options for managing the flood risks within the catchment as a whole and for localised high-risk areas.

The period of public consultation for the Plan finished on 30 April 2010. A substantial number of observations were received during the public consultation. These contributions are currently being considered and will be incorporated into the final Plan, as appropriate.

In addition to the measures being pursued through the CFRAM framework, consultants have been appointed to undertake a hydrological and hydraulic review of the November 2009 floods for the Rivers Lee and Owenboy. This review will examine, inter alia, rainfall depths and return periods, flood flow paths, extents and probabilities, with a view to providing an up-to-date model for this catchment. The initial review of the modelling is due to take place in mid-Summer.

A Steering Group has been set up, comprising of Cork City and County Councils, ESB and OPW, to deal specifically with Lower Lee Flood Risk Management issues and has already met twice. Procurement of consultants to bring the current proposals to a point, which confirms their feasibility, will shortly be commenced. The consultants will have the benefit of having the results of the various dam discharge scenarios, currently being undertaken, available to them. It is anticipated that proposed measures, if found to be feasible, would then be brought to public exhibition in 2011.

The OPW understands that the City Council has already carried out surveys of the quay walls. The OPW has agreed to fund interim repair works at two locations of Cork Quay Walls. This funding is subject to the invitation of tenders by Cork City Council and will not exceed the sum of €450,000 for each location. An allocation of €318,600 has also been made to Cork County Council for flood mitigation works at Crookstown. It would be open to both Councils to submit further applications for minor interim works.

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