Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)
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353. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects the feasibility study, including environmental impact statement, to identify possible flood mitigation measures for Arklow town to be published. [41358/14]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A Final Draft Feasibility Report in respect of the revised flood relief proposals for Arklow town has been submitted to Wicklow County Council (WWC) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) by the consultants appointed by WCC to develop the design of the scheme.

WCC and the OPW met on 30 September to review the draft report having particular regard to a number of issues that had been raised by the OPW in relation to:

- the location of defences upstream of Arklow Bridge

- possible underpinning of Arklow bridge to alleviate sediment deposition

- possible removal of a 'pinch point' in the channel downstream of Arklow bridge.

WCC has raised these issues with the consultants with a view to having the Report finalised as soon as possible. Once the Feasibility Report has been finalised, and provided the scheme is still economically and environmentally viable, it has been agreed that the scheme will be progressed by WCC with funding from the OPW.

As part of the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a second Public Information Day will be held in the town to give the public a further view of what flood relief works are being considered and to invite feedback on the preferred scheme options.

I remain committed to the delivery of this scheme for Arklow and I look forward to the next Information Day to ascertain views of Arklow residents.