John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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133. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the funding and commencement of the flood relief scheme for Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny; the reason for the delay in starting the project; if the fallen trees, debris, overgrowth and rubbish will be removed from the outlets of the bridge in Graiguenamanagh to avoid further local flooding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52636/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to a potential scheme of Individual Property Protection (IPP) measures which is the subject of a Feasibility Study undertaken on behalf of Kilkenny County Council (KCC).

The Feasibility Study Report, which was undertaken on a pilot basis, has been completed and submitted to the Office of Public Works (OPW) by KCC for consideration. The Report is currently being examined within OPW. The Report and its conclusions are being considered in the context of the proposals for a major scheme of permanent structural flood defence measures included in the Flood Risk Management Plan for Graiguenamanagh under the CFRAM Programme. OPW expects to conclude its assessment of the Feasibility Report shortly and discussions between OPW and KCC will be required to consider the most appropriate, sustainable and economically viable flood relief measures for Graiguenamanagh.

In relation to the CFRAM Programme, I would hope by the end of this year to seek approval from the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for the 29 Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the CFRAM process. Thereafter I would hope to announce the proposed structural measures contained within those Plans that will, over the coming years, be taken to detailed design and construction to protect those communities at risk.

Further, local consultation in Graiguenamanagh will need to be undertaken regarding the eventual preferred flood relief measures to be undertaken and so it is not possible to provide a timeframe on the matter at the moment.

In relation to fallen trees, debris, overgrowth and rubbish at the outlets of the bridge, the OPW does not have a maintenance role at this location. This matter is best referred to the local authority for attention.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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134. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding that will be provided to Cavan County Council in 2018 for flood relief and drainage works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52650/17]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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135. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the flood relief and drainage works that the Office of Public Works will carry out in County Cavan in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52651/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) carries out a national programme, on an average five-yearly cycle, of Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500km of river channel and approximately 730km of embankments nationally. These maintenance works relate to arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945.

The Boyne, Inny and Glyde and Dee Arterial Drainage Maintenance Schemes are in operation in County Cavan. As part of these maintenance programmes, fifty kilometres of river channel maintenance is scheduled to take place in County Cavan in 2018.

Local authorities are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of certain watercourses within Drainage Districts in the county. I am engaging with the Minister of Housing, Planning and Local Government to look at ensuring that sufficient funding is available for Local Authorities to fulfil these obligations.

For areas not covered by the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Programme, the OPW operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. It is open to all Local Authorities to submit a funding application under the Scheme. This administrative Scheme’s eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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136. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding that will be provided to Monaghan County Council in 2018 for flood relief and drainage works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52652/17]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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137. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the flood relief and drainage works that the Office of Public Works will carry out in County Monaghan in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52653/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) carries out a national programme, on an average five-yearly cycle, of Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500km of river channel and approximately 730km of embankments nationally. These maintenance works relate to arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945.

The Monaghan Blackwater and Glyde and Dee Arterial Drainage Maintenance Schemes are part of this annual maintenance programme in County Monaghan. As part of these maintenance programmes, ninety-six kilometres of river channel maintenance is scheduled to take place in County Monaghan in 2018.

Local authorities are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of certain watercourses within Drainage Districts in the county. I am engaging with the Minister of Housing, Planning and Local Government to look at ensuring that sufficient funding is available for Local Authorities to fulfil these obligations.

For areas not covered by the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Programme, the OPW operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. It is open to all Local Authorities to submit a funding application under the Scheme. This administrative Scheme’s eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.