Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

135. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of measures being undertaken by the Office of Public Works working in collaboration with the local authority for purposed flood reliefs at Castelfinn, Ballybofey and Stranorlar and Burnfoot, County Donegal. [44056/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 proposed 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).  In that regard 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.  

Following discussions with Donegal County Council, the proposed schemes at Burnfoot and Castlefin, at estimated costs of €1.5m and €1.75m respectively, have been included among the first projects to be advanced from the nationwide Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plans. Other schemes to be advanced in Donegal include proposed projects at Lifford, Carrowkeel, Downies and Glenties. Discussions are ongoing with Donegal County Council on how best to advance each of these schemes.

The proposed project for Ballybofey & Stranorlar is not part of the first phase of projects to be advanced, but OPW and Donegal County Council will work closely to ensure that they will be commenced in the coming years and within the 10-year timeframe for the programme of investment. However in order to alleviate the situation in Ballybofey & Stranorlar, funding to the sum of €157,500 has been approved under the Minor Works Scheme for the removal of vegetation and trees on embankments and also for the construction of sumps / pumping areas.