Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works will complete works at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19774/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has included in its 2015 programme of works the refurbishment of this stretch of Flood Defence of approx 1 kilometre in length at Garrane, Killorglin, Co. Kerry. An access haul road was constructed late last year to facilitate this flood defence refurbishment work.

Several residences have been constructed at this location approximately 1.5 metres below tide level in an area protected by a peat flood defence constructed and maintained by OPW. OPW is engaged in negotiations with affected landowners about the prospect of relocating an existing back drain to allow the construction of a more substantial designed flood defence to defend against the extreme events experienced at this location and to account for the very poor adjoining geology. The substantially stronger flood defence at this location requires an increase in land mass to support the greater footprint. This in turn requires the back filling of the existing back drain and the construction of a new offset back drain with associated sluice structures.

OPW is also in ongoing discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service as the location of the proposed works is within a designated Special Area of Conservation.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

162. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the provision of new flood defences in Foynes, County Limerick. [19782/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The provision of flood defences in Foynes is being undertaken by Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) with funding from the Office of Public Works.

In 2014, the OPW approved funding for LCCC to commission a study to survey the existing flood defences in Foynes and to prepare a detailed design for improved defences, including costings and a Cost Benefit Analysis, to provide protection against the 1-in-200 year flood event, which is the standard level of protection for coastal defences.

LCCC held a Public Information Evening in relation to the proposals in Foynes in January of this year. The OPW understands that LCCC is currently advancing the project through the Planning process. Progression of the project is a matter for LCCC.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

163. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the provision of new flood defences in Askeaton and Balysteen, County Limerick. [19783/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On foot of an application from Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), the Office of Public Works approved funding of €30,000 in March of this year under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for the appointment of consultants to prepare a detailed design of flood relief measures for Askeaton. It is a matter for LCCC to progress this project and the Deputy should contact the Council directly to receive an update on the current status of the project

LCCC also submitted an application for funding under the Scheme for a project at Ballysteen. This application was not approved as the proposal submitted did not meet the minimum cost-benefit ratio required under the eligibility criteria of the Scheme. It would be open to LCCC to submit a fresh application that meets the eligibility criteria, which are available on the OPW website.