Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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138. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures that will be put in place to protect homeowners and mitigate the risk posed by flooding in Donegal town in future in view of recurring episodes of flooding in the town, the latest of which occurred on 4 October 2019 when water from the River Eske breached its banks; if a dedicated budget for such measures has been sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47806/19]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Fifteen projects were identified in County Donegal under the Flood Risk Management Plans that I announced in May 2018. Following consultation and discussions between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Donegal County Council (DCC), six of the Donegal projects were selected and are being progressed in the first phase of implementation.

The proposed project in Donegal town, at an estimated cost of €8.5m, consists of flood water storage and a series of flood embankments and walls, which will provide flood protection to approximately 73 properties when completed.

While the proposed project for Donegal town is not in the first phase of projects to be progressed, the OPW and DCC will work closely to ensure that it will be commenced as early as possible in the coming years and within the 10 year timeframe for the programme of investment.

An application from DCC for a project at Donegal town under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme is currently under consideration and Donegal County Council will be notified of the decision shortly.