Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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94. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will advance the flood relief works along the Sullane River at Ballyvourney to construction; the duration of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43882/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the Baile Mhúirne and Ballymakeera Flood Relief scheme is currently at outline design stage, and the preferred options for the scheme are in the process of being finalised.

The River Sullane has a history of freshwater pearl mussels, which have protected status as an Annex II listed species under the EU Habitats Directive. An environmental survey was carried out to establish the status of the population and the likely impact of any works.

Given the impact the proposed works could have on the Fresh Water Pearl Mussel population, a proposal to translocate Fresh Water Pearl Mussel from the River Sullane and re-introduce them post works was submitted to the NPWS and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht .

The submission was approved, allowing the scheme preparations to progress to site investigation, which will inform the preferred options for the scheme. A site investigation was completed in Q3 2018 and the results will further assist in determining the preferred options, and in refining construction cost estimates.

A second Public Information Day was held in March 2018 and the emerging preferred option was presented to members of the public and relevant stakeholders. A public exhibition of the preferred scheme is expected to take place in Spring 2019.

When these stages are successfully completed and, subject to the proposals being accepted by the public and the stakeholders, and the scheme being technically, environmentally and economically viable, the scheme will then proceed to formal Confirmation by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, and detailed design stage, following which the scheme can progress to construction stage.

My Office continues to liaise with Cork County Council and local representatives on this Scheme.