Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has the necessary funding available to address the severe flooding events that persist in the area of Alasty, Killeenmore and Turnings, near Straffan in County Kildare, where many homes, businesses, roads and the Dublin-Cork rail-line are impacted downstream of Johnstown and the M7 motorway; if there are initiatives that can be undertaken in the short-term to provide relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22400/12]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Kildare County Council prepared a Pre-Feasibility Report in relation to the provision of a flood relief scheme for the Lower Morrell River, which includes the Alasty, Killeenmore and Turnings area, near Straffan, earlier this year. Following discussions with Office of Public Works officials, it was agreed that the council should apply to the OPW for funding to undertake a full feasibility and cost benefit analysis for the scheme. The council submitted a formal application to the OPW last month and a decision will made shortly in this regard. The viability or cost of possible mitigation measures is not known at this stage.

Kildare County Council, in consultation with the OPW, has investigated the possibility of carrying out interim flood relief works to alleviate flooding in the area but the council has not been able to identify an engineering solution which was economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The OPW understands however that the council will undertake a programme of light maintenance works on the channel later this year, which should help the situation.