Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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457. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Kenmare flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32401/20]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Flood relief works for Kenmare are due to be progressed as part of the first tranche of 60 new schemes that have been prioritised for implementation nationally, following the launch of the Flood Risk Management Plans in May 2018, and the announcement of €1 billion investment in flood risk over the coming decade.

A steering group, comprising of representatives from the Office of Public Works and Kerry County Council, is currently in place to progress a number of schemes in Co. Kerry, including the Kenmare Flood Relief Scheme. Earlier this year, Kerry County Council appointed three additional technical and administrative staff to support the progression of these schemes. These posts are being funded by the Office of Public Works to progress the schemes proposed for County Kerry under the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs).

Potentially viable flood relief works for Kenmare, to be implemented as appropriate after project-level assessment and planning (or Exhibition and confirmation), would include Fluvial Flood Defences comprising of walls and embankments on the Finnihy and Kealnagower rivers, and Tidal Flood Defences comprising of walls, embankments and removable barriers. The measures proposed also include the removal of the existing pipe under Finnihy Bridge.

Kerry County Council issued the request for tenders for engineering design consultants and environmental consultants from the Office of Public Works’ framework of consultants on 30 October, 2020.

In the meantime, the Steering Group has also proposed interim works that will involve the clearance of vegetation along a 0.6 km stretch of the Keelnagower river from the bridge at Aldi to where the Keelnagower river meets the Finnihy river, and a 0.6 km stretch of the Finnihy river from behind St Claire’s Convent to the footbridge downstream of Cornwell’s Bridge. This vegetation will need to be cleared to allow various surveys (site investigations, environmental baseline etc.) to take place. This will also involve the removal of debris that poses an immediate risk in a flood event of leading to blockages in bridges as was seen in the recent flooding event in Kenmare where a number of properties were flooded. The Office of Public Works has approved these works. Kerry County Council are currently in discussions with the relevant environmental agencies and, subject to their agreement, this work will be completed before the end of the year.

Once consultants are appointed to progress the Flood Relief Scheme for Kenmare, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of this scheme.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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458. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the flooding in Bantry, County Cork on the morning of 20 October 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32414/20]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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469. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeline for the completion of the planned flood relief scheme in Bantry, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33116/20]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 469 together.

The Flood Risk Management Plans launched in May 2018 include a recommendation to progress the project-level development and planning of 10 new Flood Relief Schemes for County Cork, including Bantry.

A steering group, comprising of representatives from the Office of Public Works and Cork County Council, is in place to progress the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme.

Bantry is due to be implemented as part of the first tranche of 60 new schemes that have been prioritised for implementation nationally.

Potentially viable flood relief works for Bantry, to be implemented as appropriate after project-level assessment and planning (or Exhibition and confirmation), would include Fluvial Flood Defences comprising of walls and embankments and Tidal Flood Defences comprising sea walls.

These measures have a preliminary Total Project Cost Estimate of €6.7 million and would protect 198 properties. Cork County Council, in partnership with the OPW, is currently finalising tender documentation for the procurement of Engineering Consultants to progress the development of this scheme and a Prior Information Notice (PIN) has been published by the Council on www.etenders.gov.ie.The tender is due to be advertised very shortly.

Once consultants are appointed to progress the Flood Relief Scheme for Bantry, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of this scheme

In the meantime, the Council has appointed a contractor again this year to carry out treatment of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) in the scheme area. The first round was completed in August 2020 and the second round of treatment was carried out at the end of September.

Following recent events in Bantry in August, I visited Bantry and met residents and local authority officials to assure them that the scheme is a priority and will proceed as a matter of urgency. The Department is also aware of the flooding that took place in Bantry on October 20^th. Cork County Council continue to investigate whether any measures can be put in place in advance of the main flood relief scheme which will mitigate the flood risk currently present in the town.

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.