Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 83: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will issue a progress report on the Bandon flood relief scheme in County Cork; the timescale for the completion of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17726/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Office of Public Works commissioned both Design Consultants and Environmental Consultants in late 2010 to address the flooding problems which exist in Bandon and to develop possible solutions which are both economically viable and environmentally acceptable. A public information gathering day was held in January of this year which was very successful as a tremendous response was received from the public on the day. The study being undertaken is developing the possible options for dealing with the problem. It is intended to hold a second public information day in late August or early September which will present to the public the emerging preferred option along with the other options considered. Following the completion of the feasibility study, the Office of Public Works will take the proposed scheme, if one has emerged, to full public exhibition, as required under the Arterial Drainage Acts. The exhibition will take place over a four-week period and is programmed to take place before the end of the year. If the proposals are accepted locally, the next stage of the process will be to undertake the detailed design of the scheme and the procurement of a civil works contractor. It is not possible to say at this stage when any works might be completed, as any decisions on the progression of a Flood Relief Scheme for Bandon will be taken in the context of the Government's current review of its Capital expenditure profile to 2016.