Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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104. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Bantry flood relief scheme; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20494/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Flood Risk Management Plans launched in May 2018 include a recommendation to progress the project-level development and planning for a flood relief scheme for 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. The Plans with outline design of possible measures estimated a preliminary Total Project Cost of €6.7m and a scheme to protect some 198 properties. Cork County Council has engaged a contractor to treat some of the invasive species in preparation for a flood relief scheme for the town.

On 11th March 2021 Cork County Council, in partnership with OPW issued the tender documentation for the procurement of Engineering Consultants via www.etenders.gov.ie. Tenders are due for return on 7th June 2021.

Cork County Council has also commenced the preparation of the Consultants Brief documents to carry out the repair and re-construction of the Main Street Culvert which has been a significant element contributing to flooding on Main Street, New Street and north and south of Wolfe Tone Square in recent months. The OPW is liaising with Cork County Council on the integration of these works with the fluvial flood relief scheme for the town.

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.

The flood relief scheme will be funded from within the allocated €1 billion for flood risk management over the period of the National Development Plan 2018-2027. Provision for the cost of the Scheme is included in the Office of Public Works' multi annual capital allocation.

In March 2021, an application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for interim works to mitigate flooding in Bantry which includes installation of non-return valves and provision of mobile pumps was submitted to the OPW by Cork County Council. This application is currently under consideration. In the interim prior to weather events, local Cork County Council staff are implementing interim measures to assist mitigate flooding such as deployment of sandbags at Sands Quay and mobile pumping.