James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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82. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the Enniscorthy flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38315/19]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Enniscorthy (river Slaney) flood defence scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council on behalf of the Commissioners of Public Works as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. This is a very important scheme within the OPW’s €1 billion flood relief investment programme. It will protect 236 properties and bring much needed relief from the worry and stress which flooding has caused to householders and businesses in the town.

I am pleased to say that the scheme is at an advanced stage of planning and design. A formal Exhibition was held in May 2019 where the public were able to review the scheme design and measures and provide feedback on what is being proposed. The scheme proposals were generally well received and the lead consultants are currently reviewing the feedback received and finalising the design and all the documentation required for submission of the scheme for formal Confirmation of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. It is planned for the scheme to be submitted for Confirmation by end 2019. Following Confirmation it is expected to commence construction in 2020 after tendering, with an estimated construction period of 3 years.

The proposed scheme will be funded by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and I can confirm that provision for the cost of the scheme is included in the OPW's multi-annual capital framework.