Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

375. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a flood defence scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11997/17]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Clare County Council commissioned Arups Engineers to carry out a coastal erosion and flood risk management study for Seafield and Clohaninchy, Quilty, Co. Clare with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the Minor Works scheme.

The preferred option presented in the study report for flood prevention measures for Clohaninchy was not economically viable.

The OPW met with Clare County Council and its consultants in September 2016 to explore possible alternative risk management options and measures which would be economically viable. The Council has now advised that it hopes to submit a revised proposal shortly which will comply with OPW requirements and at the same time be acceptable to the local community.

The OPW acknowledge the ongoing local community involvement and have highlighted to Clare County Council the importance of keeping the local community informed of the proposed plan.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

376. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the provision of a flood alleviation project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12009/17]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This area is part of the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study. Flood maps were published for public consultation in November 2015 and were developed with information that was available at that time, including information on the flood event of November 2009. In light of the extreme flooding experienced in this area in December 2015 and January 2016, the OPW has instructed the consultants for the Shannon CFRAM Study to undertake further analysis to better understand the specifics of the flood event and to review the hydraulic modelling and flood mapping for this area. This work is almost completed and involves the review of the modelling, flood mapping, the assessment of options. The further analysis will also explore if a feasible measure can be recommended for this area.

The OPW is currently finalising dates and arrangements for a further Public Consultation Day that will provide a forum for the OPW to present the outcome of this further analysis. The OPW is planning to hold this event in March and will shortly publish the details of the local event through local newspapers.