Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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In May, 2018, I launched the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme, wherein 29 Flood Risk Management Plans were unveiled.  These Plans 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).  These plans included a recommendation to progress a project-level development and planning of a Flood Relief Scheme for Tralee, which is included in the first tranche of schemes at an estimated cost of €31.27m. 

The Office of Public Works recently approved funding to Kerry County Council to appoint a Senior Executive Engineer, Executive Engineer and a Senior Administrator to work solely on all Flood Risk Management Plans for County Kerry.

A project steering group comprising OPW personnel and representatives from Kerry County Council is now in place to progress those schemes in County Kerry identified in tranche one. The role of this group is to advance the preparation of a Project Brief for the procurement of Engineering and Environmental Consultants for Tralee and Kenmare. In relation to Tralee it is proposed to go to the Office of Public Works’ Engineering and Environmental Consultants framework in Q1 of 2020.

Once consultants are appointed to progress the Flood Relief Scheme for Tralee, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of this scheme.