Written answers
Tuesday, 19 November 2019
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Flood Relief Schemes
Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
137. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will meet with a group (details supplied) and visit an area to witness the urgent need for a flood relief scheme in Buncrana, County Donegal; the reason he has indicated that funding will not be released until previous Donegal County Council flood schemes have progressed in view of the fact that many existing schemes are held up by the council for various reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47653/19]
Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
A total of 118 flood relief projects were identified in the Flood Risk Management Plans that I announced in May 2018 to protect the main flood risk areas throughout the country. Fifteen projects were identified in County Donegal arising from these Plans. As there is a significant resource commitment involved in the delivery of such an ambitious programme of investment it is not possible to implement all of the projects at the one time.
Following consultation and discussions between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Donegal County Council (DCC), six of the Donegal projects were identified and are being progressed in the first phase of implementation
While the proposed project for Buncrana is not in the initial phase of projects to be advanced I can assure the Deputy that the OPW and DCC will work closely to ensure that the project will be progressed as early as possible in the coming years and within the 10 year timeframe for the national programme of investment.
I am always happy to meet with residents and community groups in relation to flooding issues and I understand that arrangements are being finalised for me to visit Donegal over the coming weeks.
No comments