Written answers

Friday, 16 September 2016

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Flooding Data

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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906. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question Number 456 of 12 July 2016, if the tree management package works scheduled to begin on 1 September 2016 are in line to begin on that day; when such works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25284/16]

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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907. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 456 of 12 July 2016, the funding applications under the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme that have been received by the OPW; if any determination on the applications has been made; the outcome of the funding applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25285/16]

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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908. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 456 of 12 July 2016, and with reference to the statement that certain works on the OPW channel have been identified, and these are being put in hand, the number and particulars of the works on the OPW channel which have been identified, in tabular form; when these works commenced; the stage of completion and when it is expected that they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25286/16]

Photo of Seán CanneySeán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 906 to 908, inclusive, together.

As outlined to the Deputy in my reply to Parliamentary Question number *456 of 12 July last, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has maintenance responsibility for those Catchment Drainage Schemes and Flood Relief Schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, including the Corrib-Mask-Robe Catchment Drainage Scheme which includes a channel in Cong. The OPW has no responsibility for the maintenance of channels which do not form part of OPW schemes.

The flooding issues in Cong are related to a number of sources, including underground channels. The capacity of the channel to discharge is dictated by levels in Lough Mask (upstream) and Lough Corrib (downstream). A detailed study is required to assess the impact of increasing flow capacity through Cong on the catchment downstream. The channel is an OPW maintainable scheme channel under the Arterial Drainage Acts and is maintained as required on an ongoing basis. However, flow and level will always be a function of the Corrib lake levels. It is a limited capacity channel in a highly protected area with significant fishery interests.Mayo County Council (MCC) has retained consulting engineers to look at flooding issues in and around the village of Cong. OPW Regional Staff have met with the Council, its consultants, residents affected by flooding and Inland Fisheries Ireland, and have also carried out a number of surveys in the area. OPW are working with the Council in bringing forward a funding application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

With specific regard to tree management in the channel, OPW is currently awaiting tenders from tree management contractors to carry out a robust tree management program upstream of the village, to optimise conveyance capacity and reduce the risk of blockages from timber dislodged in flood events. OPW drainage maintenance staff will then carry out any channel maintenance operations that may be required. These works are likely to commence in the next month or so, on completion of the tree management programme. OPW has met with Coillte and agreed that our Offices can work together to manage any offending trees or lumber on Coillte's property.

In relation to specific works on the channel, mentioned in my reply of 12 July last, OPW staff have met landowners and have sought access to lands at the mouth of the Cong canal, with a view to raising the existing canal sluice gates, which may have reduced the conveyance capacity of the canal last winter.

With reference to the eel weir at Ashford Castle, during last winter’s flood event the level difference between Lough Corrib (at Ashford Castle) and the water level in the village was 1.36m. The only restriction to flow between those points are the eel weir, the weed/tree island downstream of the weir and the channel itself. The OPW is working with Ashford Castle Management (ACM) that has indicated that it is willing to co-operate by removing the weir superstructure/weir.

OPW staff are working with the Council with its efforts to bring forward a funding application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme and once an application has been received it will be given every consideration.

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