Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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104. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a flood relief scheme in Ballinhassig, County Cork; the funding committed; the next steps in the process; the timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46726/19]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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A Feasibility Study for a Flood Relief Scheme to address the flooding issues in Ballinhassig has been completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), and has identified a preferred, viable option for the area.

While an Environmental Constraints Study - conducted by independent consultants - recommended that a Stage 1 Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Appropriate Assessment screening process be undertaken for the proposed scheme, these assessments have concluded that the option, as currently proposed, does not require either an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) or Natura Impact Statement (NIS). It has been determined, therefore, that the scheme can be progressed under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2015.  Further surveys are currently being finalised to inform the environmental impacts of the scheme, after which the project will progress to planning and detailed design.

Discussions are currently ongoing with Cork County Council regarding the progression of the scheme through these next stages. While it is not possible to provide a timeframe for the project at this time, provision has been made in OPW’s multi annual financial profiles for the progression of the scheme to implementation.