Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

276. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding has been allocated for the flood defence works at Burnfoot, County Donegal; and when these works will commence. [1058/18]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans.

The flood maps and measures proposed for Burnfoot, which is an Area of Further Assessment (AFA) in the CFRAM Study, were developed prior to the flooding of August 2017 making use of the information available at the time.

As a result of the severe flooding in August 2017, the OPW took the decision to commission consultants to undertake a review of the Burnfoot AFA. The review will examine details of the August 2017 flood event and recent events in December 2017, in order to better understand the specifics of those flood events and to review the hydraulic modelling and flood mapping for this area.

Subject to the outcomes of this review, the OPW will re-assess the possible options to manage the risk and the economic viability of these options.

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

277. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a flood relief scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; when it will move to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1213/18]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This scheme is being progressed by Clare County Council (CCC) as the Contracting Authority with funding from the Office of Public Works (OPW). When completed the scheme will provide protection for 74 residential and 10 non-residential properties.

CCC submitted its Report on the Tender Evaluation process to the OPW for review. There were certain matters that required close consideration as part of the review, including project costs, and the OPW has been working closely with CCC and its consultants in order to fully clarify these matters. The OPW has completed its review and expects to be in contact with CCC on the matter very shortly. It is hoped that construction will commence shortly thereafter.