Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the cost of laying a pipe (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22768/12]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Flood alleviation measures for the Carnmore/Cashla area are part of the proposed Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme, which is currently at design stage. Following a flood event on the Clare River in November 2011, it became apparent that ground water levels were rising at the Eastern end of the Carnmore/Cashla area, at a rate greater than had been considered in the preliminary design study of 2010. Based on this additional information, the Office of Public Works asked the Consulting Engineers who are carrying out the detailed design of the Claregalway Scheme, to review the earlier proposals recommended for the Carnmore/Cashla area. The review recommended that the proposed flood alleviation drain at Carnmore East be extended further eastwards, by 400 metres along the R339 road. An inlet structure would also be installed at this point to relieve the ground water levels as observed in the November 2011 flood event. The revised proposals brings the cost estimate for the Carnmore East flood alleviation drain, to €530,000 from the earlier estimate of €440,000, an increase of €90,000. These additional measures are considered necessary as they will ensure that the same level of protection is afforded to all the properties previously flooded, or at risk of flooding, in the Carnmore/Cashla area, including the R339.

As a result of the November 2009 flood event in the Carnmore/Cashla area, three houses were flooded, a further seven were at risk of flooding, two businesses were at risk of flooding and a further fourteen houses were cut-off by flood waters. The R339 flooded to a level greater than one metre in places with three other local roads flooding for a period up to fourteen days. The revised flood alleviation proposals, which include the extended flood alleviation drain at Carnmore East, form an intricate part of the proposed Clare River (Claregalway) Flood Relief Scheme and will ensure that the Carnmore/Cashla area, will have 1:100 year protection against all such future flood events.