Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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198. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when flood alleviation funding will be made available for three flood prevention works in Ballybay, Inniskeen and Monaghan, County Monaghan; when work will commence; if planning has been commenced, completed or approved for the works; when the works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30881/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme was the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and covered 300 areas believed to be at significant flood risk. The CFRAM programme culminated with the launch on 3rd May, 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which propose 118 new outline flood relief projects on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW).  All of these projects are to be funded under the Government's 10 year flood risk investment programme of almost €1 billion under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027.

As it is not possible to progress all 118 proposed new schemes at once, funding of €257 million for an initial phase of 50 flood relief projects throughout the country was also announced which would be progressed to detailed design and construction, including the five largest schemes identified in the Plans and 31 small or minor projects under €1 million which will be progressed directly by local authorities. Aside from the 5 largest schemes and the 31 small or minor projects, the remaining projects in the initial phase of implementation were selected on the basis of those projects which would provide the greatest benefit in terms of the greatest number of properties protected on a regionally balanced basis.

The proposed schemes for Ballybay, Iniskeen and Monaghan town are not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed but the OPW and the local authority will work closely to ensure that they will be commenced as soon as possible within the 10 year timeframe for the programme of investment.

A proposed flood relief scheme at Ballybay has been identified by the CFRAM programme to be progressed at an estimated cost of €3.6million.  This proposed scheme consists of a series of flood embankments and walls and will protect 71 properties when completed.

A proposed flood relief scheme at Iniskeen has been identified by the CFRAM programme to be progressed at an estimated cost of €2.0million.  This proposed scheme consists of a series of flood embankments and walls and will also include the raising of a road where space is restricted for walls or embankments. The scheme will protect 14 properties when completed.

A proposed flood relief scheme at Monaghan Town has been identified by the CFRAM programme to be progressed at a projected cost of €12.5million.  This proposed scheme consists of a series of flood embankments and walls with measures also included to protect properties in the Milltown Area. The scheme will protect 47 properties when completed.

Once consultants are appointed to progress the schemes, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies as well as the general public takes place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the schemes.