Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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305. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood attenuation lake in Blackpool, County Cork; and the precise location for same. [36882/20]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme commenced in 2013 when the Office of Public Works, in conjunction with Cork City Council, appointed consultants to develop proposals to deal with the flood risk that existed in Cork City. The scheme was originally part of the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme.  As it became clear, however, that a solution could be advanced for Blackpool ahead of the Lower Lee, a separate scheme was developed for Blackpool. Following extensive engineering and environmental analysis, public consultation, and a formal Public Exhibition, the proposed scheme was submitted to the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform for Ministerial Confirmation.

The Scheme and the associated environmental assessments are currently being reviewed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as part of the Confirmation process under the Arterial Drainage Acts.  Further information was requested by the Minister as part of the environmental impact assessment he is required to carry out on the scheme.  This information was provided to the Minister on the 2nd November 2020 and it is anticipated, pending a review of the further information supplied, that a grant of Ministerial Confirmation for the scheme will be received in early 2021. Once the scheme is Confirmed, the detailed design will be completed and a tender competition held to appoint a works contractor.  It is currently anticipated that construction of the scheme will commence by mid 2021.

In terms of the ‘flood attenuation lake’ as referred to by the Deputy, which is understood to relate to the Blackpool Retail and Amenity Park, this has not been included as part of the proposed Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme. This is believed to relate to the granting of planning permission for the Blackpool Retail and Amenity Park, which is outside the remit of the Office of Public Works. The relevant planning authority should be contacted regarding any further information on same in that case.