Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a flood protection scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39254/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I am advised that in July 2017 the Commissioners of Public Works approved funding of €36,000 to Clare County Council (CCC) under the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme for the engagement of engineering consultants to progress the detailed design of a project at Cloughaninchy Co Clare. CCC has indicated that the consultant has been appointed and an initial meeting has been held and a programme agreed for the project. It is expected that the detailed design work will be completed this year and CCC will then advance the project through the planning process. The Council will continue to work closely with the local community throughout the process.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a flood protection scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39270/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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At the Office of Public Works' (OPW) request, the consultants on the Shannon CFRAM study carried out a review of the options for addressing the flooding problem in Clonlara. This review has identified an outline viable solution, which is now included in the draft Flood Risk Management Plan for this area.

Clare County Council (CCC) has requested approval to advance a detailed project-level assessment and design for this outline solution. The OPW has responded to the Council, agreeing to the detailed study being progressed by the Council and has agreed to fund the costs of the study. Should the detailed study find that the project is technically, economically and environmentally viable then the project will be considered for further advancement, with planning and construction to be undertaken by the Council.

The Council has informed the OPW that it is due to make a formal submission to the OPW shortly setting out its estimate of costs and requirements for funding related to the engagement of consultants to carry out the project-assessment and design.

If following this more detailed project-level assessment, the project is confirmed to be feasible, the Council is to revert to the OPW for approval to advance the works through planning and implementation, with funding from the OPW.