James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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175. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Enniscorthy flood defence scheme in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20251/16]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Relief Scheme is currently being progressed by Wexford County Council with funding provided by the Office of Public Works. The current position is as follows -

The detailed design phase for both the new bridge installation and flood defences is underway. The required comprehensive surveying to inform the detailed design is being carried out. Ecology surveys commenced on site in Feb 2016 and are ongoing. Traffic surveys were completed in March 2016. Topographic & Bathymetric surveys were carried out on site during April & May 2016. The Archaeological survey of the river bed was completed in May 2016. The Invasive Species survey was completed in June 2016.

Site investigations works commenced on site in June 2016 and will continue in the town centre, along the river bed and river banks, and in the adjacent roads and footpaths throughout July. This work requires the drilling of boreholes and the excavation of trial pits and trenches to identify existing ground conditions and the location of underground services.

It is hoped to hold a public display of the proposed works later in 2016, and to submit the proposed scheme for formal Confirmation or approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and commence the procurement process for a works contractor in late 2016 with a view to construction commencing in the first half of 2017.