Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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278. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, schemes for County Louth and east County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1676/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Through the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, detailed engineering analysis, assessment and extensive public consultation was undertaken for 300 communities throughout Ireland, including 90 coastal areas, which in 2012 were identified as being most likely to be impacted by future coastal and fluvial flooding.

One key output of the CFRAM Programme were the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) that contain proposed flood relief measures - informed by costs, benefits and environmental factors - to address the flood risk in each community and nationwide.

The evidence provided by the CFRAM Programme, launched in May 2018, supports the Government’s €1bn planned investment in flood relief through the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project 2040.

As part of this, Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed.

- The proposed flood relief scheme at Dundalk / Blackrock South, includes the Ardee Flood Relief Scheme and will protect some 1,880 properties when completed.

- The proposed flood relief scheme at Drogheda and Baltray, will protect some 450 properties when completed.

- The proposed flood relief scheme at Carlingford and Greenore will protect some 409 properties when completed.

While the CFRAM process investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified, and so a review of the risk in these communities and the likely costs and benefits is to be undertaken. The Office of Public Works has put in place a process for undertaking such reviews, and it is envisaged that these reviews, including those for Annagassan and Termonfeckin, will be complete within the next 12 months.

The tender for Engineering Consultancy Services has been awarded for Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee that are being progressed simultaneously. The tender brief for Drogheda and Baltray, also being progressed simultaneously, has been finalised and advertised with tenders due back on 25th March 2021. The tender brief for the Carlingford and Greenore scheme will begin in the coming months.

Once consultants are appointed to progress each scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the proposals within the scheme.

In County Meath the Ashbourne Flood Alleviation Scheme is currently at the Construction Stage, having  commenced in 2019 with a completion timeframe of later this year. The Scheme comprises of the construction of an overflow weir to divert flow to the Broadmeadow River and the improvement of the channel and culvert capacity along the Broadmeadow and Ward Scheme. It will provide protection against a 100-Year flood event for a total of 69 properties.  This scheme is being carried out by the Office of Public Works direct labour.

As part of the CFRAM Programme, Mornington, Co. Meath, was identified as being one of 300 areas believed to be of significant flood risk and the scheme, with funding from the OPW a scheme is being progressed by Meath County Council.