Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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190. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood defences that have been commenced since June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46612/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The following is the current position on the flood defence schemes that have commenced construction since June 2016.

Construction of major flood relief projects has commenced in 12 locations across seven counties since June 2016.

The implementation of the many smaller projects funded under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme is the responsibility of individual Local Authorities.

In Co. Cork...Bandon - Construction works commenced in mid 2016 and are due for completion in early 2019. The Scheme is largely operational at this stage.

Skibbereen - Construction works commenced in mid 2016 and are due to be completed in the first half of 2019.

Clonakilty - The Clonakilty Flood Relief Scheme is designed to protect the town of Clonakilty from fluvial and tidal flooding. Construction commenced in April 2018 and works are expected to be completed within approximately two years of commencement.

In Co. Galway...Claregalway - Construction works commenced in mid 2016 and are due to be completed in the first half of 2019.

Dunkellin - Construction works commenced in mid 2016 and are due to be completed in the first half of 2019.

In Co. Limerick...King's Island (Advance Works) - The King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme is expected to go to planning next year. Advance works on Verdant Place, King's Island (re-pointing the existing stonewall and construction of reinforced concrete wall to the rear) were completed by OPW direct labour in 2017.

Foynes - The tidal flood relief scheme includes a wall over a 1.3km stretch (mainly sheet piled) with 7 demountable barriers of varying lengths and other ancillary works, and protects Foynes from the 1 in 200-year tidal flood risk within the port. Works commenced in September 2016 and were completed in mid 2017.

In Co. Meath...Northlands – Construction of this scheme, which consists of in-situ reinforced concrete walls and precast concrete “U-channels”, began in November 2016 by OPW (direct staff), and was substantially completed in Q1 of 2018.

Ashbourne - Advance works are currently being undertaken by OPW direct labour. A detailed design for a full scheme is nearly complete and work is expected to commence in early 2019 with a 12 month construction programme.

In Co. Tipperary...Templemore - The Templemore flood relief scheme commenced construction in June 2017, with works being done directly by OPW staff, with specialist contractors engaged as necessary. OPW staff have been in ongoing discussions with landowners in the area, as well as with relevant bodies such as IFI and the local angling club. It is envisaged that, barring significant delays, works should be completed in late 2019.

In Co. Westmeath...Athlone - Construction works commenced in late 2017 and will continue until 2020.

In Co. Louth...Bellurgan - Louth County Council is progressing the works which commenced in 2017 and are now substantially complete.