Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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218. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the level of progress with channel draining in rivers in Mountmellick, County Laois; and the progress of the capital scheme for flood defences. [36608/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that the watercourses in and in the vicinity of Mountmellick are part of the River Barrow Drainage District which the local authority has a statutory duty to maintain.  There are no Arterial Drainage Scheme channels in the Barrow River Basin for which the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible.

Laois County Council (LCC) has confirmed that maintenance works commenced on the River Owenass in Mountmellick following the most recent flood event, and the following is a summary of these works:

- Irishtown Bridge on the N80 has had silt and vegetation removed from the eye of the bridge improving capacity and conveyance

- At the Convent Bridge on the R422 the third eye has been cleaned and both the upstream and downstream approaches have had vegetation and silt build up removed.

- Works are ongoing on the stretch of river between the above-mentioned bridges, involving the clearing of vegetation (taking advantage of the current low water level) with tree/limb cutting to commence in the week beginning 10 September, 2018 to remove any potential impediments in the channel. Once vegetation is cleared, it is anticipated that bank repairs will be necessary where slippages are evident.

- Any fallen trees and potential debris blockages have been removed when observed or upon notification of same.

- Cleaning of a number of feeder drains/streams to the Owenass and Barrow have taken place with further works planned throughout this month.

In relation to the progress of the capital flood relief scheme, I can confirm that in February 2018 the OPW and LCC agreed to prioritise progression of a flood relief scheme for Mountmellick, following severe flooding in November 2017.

A Project Steering Group has been established comprising engineering and administrative staff from both the OPW and LCC. The Steering Group has commenced preparatory work on the project including  a review of the flood information available in the local area and potential solutions identified in the Flood Risk Management Plans.

The Steering Group’s current priority is to finalise briefs for the engagement of engineering and environmental consultants. It is anticipated that consultants will be appointed and join the Steering Group in Quarter 4 2018 and work on the detailed design of the proposed scheme will then commence. Details regarding the programme and costs of the proposed works will become clearer following the appointment of consultants.