Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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68. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be removed from the flood relief scheme planned for Buncrana, County Donegal, due to the reprofiling of investment under the flood risk management programme of the OPW to defer €3 million towards the cost overrun at the new national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9751/19]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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In May 2018 I launched 29 Flood Risk Management Plans for all the main river basins identifying a total of 118 flood relief projects to protect the main flood risk areas throughout the country. These Plans and projects are a key part of the overall flood risk management strategy set out in the National Development Plan 2017 - 2028 involving total investment of almost €1 billion over the ten year time frame of that Plan. As it is not possible to implement all of the 118 projects at the one time, a total of 50 projects were prioritised for the initial tranche of investment and delivery based on the level of risk and number of properties to be protected.

Fifteen flood relief projects have been identified for County Donegal arising from the completion of the Plans. Following consultation and discussions between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Donegal County Council (DCC), six of the Donegal projects have been identified to be progressed in the first phase of implementation. A joint OPW and DCC Steering Group has been established to advance these projects and plans are currently being put together to appoint consultants over the coming months for these projects.

The proposed project at Buncrana and Luddan, Co. Donegal, at an estimated cost of €3.3m, consists of a series of sea walls, flood embankments and flood walls, which will provide flood protection to approximately 32 properties when completed. The proposed project is not in the first phase of projects to be progressed, but I can assure you that the OPW and Donegal County Council will work closely to ensure that it will be commenced as soon as possible in the coming years and within the 10 year timeframe for the programme of investment.

Arising from the Government decision of Tuesday, 12 February 2019 in relation to capital reallocations , the OPW is reviewing the most appropriate means of achieving the required capital savings of €3 million in the flood risk management area. Expenditure on any particular project or programme in any year is dependent on many variables related to the progress of the project and programme. I can assure the Deputy that all capital projects committed to will be delivered and I do not foresee any major impacts on the progression of the project in question in due course.