Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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168. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the third environmental impact assessment for the Glanmire flood relief scheme. [50050/19]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works, under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts, has submitted the proposal for the Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme, accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS), to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for formal Confirmation.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has made regulations entitled European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019. These were published in Iris Oifigiúl on 27 September 2019. On foot of these Regulations the Minister will undertake an environmental assessment of the proposed scheme in line with required legislative requirements, and this will involve an independent assessment of the EIAR / NIS and public consultation.

The procurement and appointment of a Contractor will be progressed for this scheme following formal Ministerial Confirmation. The flood relief scheme will be funded from within the allocated €1 billion for flood risk management over the period 2018-2027. Provision for the cost of the Scheme is included in the Office of Public Works' multi annual capital allocation.

OPW are committed to funding this project and attends monthly steering meetings to offer every assistance to Cork City Council to ensure a speedy progression of the process to engage a contractor and have works commence as soon as possible.