Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

66. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the names and contact details of the consultants appointed to address flooding in Glanmire, County Cork, the terms of reference; the time scale for carrying out the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4401/14]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

67. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding has been allocated in relation to the preparation of a report and carrying out of works to ensure that a reoccurrence of the June 2012 flooding will not happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4402/14]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 67 together.

A Flood Relief Scheme for Glanmire and Sallybrook is currently being advanced by Cork County Council with funding to be provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). It is understood that the Council has signed a contract for consultants in the last two weeks to take the development of a scheme forward through design, planning and construction. Cork County Council would be the appropriate body to provide contact details of the appointed consultants.

The consultants will be expected to develop a number of flood relief options, identify a preferred scheme and to develop a fluvial flood forecasting system, if it is feasible. Subject to a viable scheme emerging, the consultants will be charged with bringing the scheme through a public consultation stage, either through the planning process or through the Arterial Drainage Acts. If such a scheme is well received, then it will be followed by detailed design, procurement of a works contractor and construction.

While it is too early to say when a scheme will go to construction, it is expected that a preferred scheme will be brought forward to public consultation before the end of this year. The OPW has made provision for the costs of a scheme in its multi-annual budget profiles, but such funding will be subject to review depending on actual budget allocations.

Following flooding in Glanmire in June 2012, Cork County Council applied for funding under the OPW's Minor Flood Works Scheme for river cleaning works in order to provide some hydraulic improvement on the Glashaboy River. The application was approved and Cork County Council subsequently availed of funding in the amount of €32,871. The implementation of these works is a matter for Cork County Council, but it is the understanding of the OPW that the works have been completed.