Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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277. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the Enniscorthy flood relief scheme; when it is planned to remove the Seamus Rafter Bridge; when the pre-qualification competition assessment is expected to be completed; when the county council proposes to commence elements of the flood defence in advance of the main contract; what these elements will comprise; the persons who are the local interest groups that the county council are working in conjunction with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42316/13]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Wexford County Council is acting as the Contracting Authority for the River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Relief Scheme as agent of the Office of Public Works. The Council is responsible for the programming of the works, for procuring the necessary consultants and contractors, and for liaising with stakeholders.

The timeframe for removal of Seamus Rafter Bridge, which is an integral part of the scheme, is still to be determined as it is dependent on the construction of a replacement road bridge over the Slaney to the south of the town.

The pre-qualification process for the appointment of both the Engineering Consultants for the main flood defence scheme itself, and the construction of the replacement road bridge and associated pedestrian bridge has been completed by the Council. The successful consultants will shortly be requested to submit tenders for these areas of work.

Prior to the commencement of the main flood defence scheme there is a requirement to relocate existing drainage pipes and other utilities services in the areas of the Promenade and the Swimming Pool. The designs for these works are at an advanced stage and it is expected that consultation will take place in the coming 4 to 6 weeks between Enniscorthy Town Council, Wexford County Council and the Business Community in Enniscorthy. The Council envisages that these advance works will not commence until early 2014.

Progression of the overall scheme will be dependent on the continued availability of funding for flood risk management and on statutory approval being secured from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in due course.