Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

199. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of flood prevention schemes (details supplied) in County Mayo; the works that have been undertaken by the Office of Public Works on the rivers in question since November 2015; if there have been meetings of all the stakeholders involved in the rivers; the action points of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5620/16]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

200. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the applications he has received from Mayo County Council under the minor flood mitigation scheme in 2015 and in 2016 to date; the level of funding sought under each application; the status of each application; when he will make a final decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5621/16]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently undertaking the design of a flood relief scheme for Crossmolina on the River Deel. Options have been devised to deal with flooding problems in the town and a public information day will be held on Friday, 8th April to ascertain the public's view on the proposed measures. Subject to agreement on the proposed measures, the scheme will be brought through further investigation, formal public exhibition and onto detailed design and construction.

The River Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme was carried out by the OPW under powers contained in the Arterial Drainage Act 1945. The purpose of Arterial Drainage Schemes was primarily to improve the drainage of agricultural lands to enhance production. This typically involved lowering or widening river beds to facilitate the drainage and discharge of neighbouring lands and drainage channels. While not the primary purpose of the Schemes, they did also provide enhanced conveyance capacity where they passed through towns, villages and dispersed rural communities that in turn has reduced the flood risk to properties in these areas.

Under the Act, the OPW has a statutory duty to maintain completed schemes in proper repair and in an effective condition. In compliance with this duty, the OPW carries out an ongoing programme of maintenance work on the River Moy scheme. The annual maintenance programme typically involves some clearance of vegetation and removal of silt build-up on an average five-yearly cycle. The OPW is not involved in any flood prevention scheme on the River Moy outside of its maintenance programme.

The OPW is currently considering applications received from Mayo County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for Crossmolina, Ballina and Foxford, and will communicate with the Council when decisions are made on these applications. Details of applications under this scheme submitted by Mayo County Council in 2015 and in 2016 to date are set out in the following table:

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

201. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the commencement dates of the Skibbereen and Clonakilty flood relief schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5629/16]

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

The Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme is being advanced by Cork County Council and the Scheme has been Confirmed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Cork County Council, as the Contracting Authority for the Scheme, is progressing the tender process for a civil works contractor to undertake the works and tenders for the contractor for the Scheme were received on 5 February, 2016. The assessment of tenders is ongoing and the appointment of a contractor is expected by mid-May. Construction of the Scheme is expected to commence shortly thereafter.

It is anticipated that construction of the Skibbereen Scheme will take approximately 24-30 months to complete.

In relation to the Clonakilty Flood Relief Scheme, a preferred scheme design option was presented at a statutory Public Exhibition which took place from 15 December 2014 to 20 January 2015. Detailed design of the scheme is underway which will be followed by a procurement process for a civil works contractor and the formal confirmation of the scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts. Subject to successful completion of the tender and confirmation processes, it is hoped that construction will start in early 2017 and will take approximately two years to be completed.

The Government remains fully committed to the provision of the flood relief schemes for the people of Skibbereen and Clonakilty. Funding for the Schemes is available and the OPW has made provision for the cost of implementing the Schemes in its financial profiles over the years 2016-2019.