Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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224. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of issues facing home buyers in East Wall, Dublin 3 in relation to home cover and perceived flood risks; the funding allocated to this area in relation to flood risk management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25501/21]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial services regulation, including for the insurance sector. It is important at the outset to state that the provision of cover is a commercial matter for insurance companies. This is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. Consequently, neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive). However, I would like to assure the Deputy that insurance reform is a key priority for the Government, and Minister of State Fleming and I will continue to play a lead role in this policy area.

Current government policy in relation to increasing flood insurance coverage is primarily focused on the development of a sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to managing flooding problems. Almost €1 billion in flood relief measures is being invested over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2018-2027, with an expectation that insurers will provide cover where this has occurred. This approach is complemented by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and industry representatives Insurance Ireland. This provides for the exchange of data in relation to completed flood defence schemes which should, in turn, provide a basis for the increased provision of flood insurance in these areas.

While there has been an overall increase in the provision of flood insurance between 2015 and 2020, it is recognised that some householders are still experiencing difficulties. This is particularly the case for households in areas with demountable flood defences. I am conscious of the challenges that the absence or withdrawal of flood insurance cover can cause to homeowners and businesses. My officials are engaging with both Insurance Ireland, the OPW and other stakeholders regarding flood defence schemes and how the levels of insurance cover might be improved in areas where flood defence works have been completed.

With regard to flood risk management in East Wall, Dublin 3, I have been advised by the OPW that the area is afforded flood protection from two flood defence schemes progressed by both it and Dublin City Council.

Part of East Wall is protected by the Tolka Flood Relief Scheme. The Dublin City element of this was completed in 2008 at a cost of approximately €7.5m, and protects approximately 1,345 properties. The area in question also experienced significant tidal flooding in November 2002 when the Royal Canal overtopped. This is now protected by the upgrade of Spencer Dock Sea Lock. Dublin City Council completed the Spencer Dock Scheme in 2009 with OPW funding of €3.4m protecting approximately 1,200 properties. As a result of this investment, I understand the high tide event of January 2014, which was higher than 2002, did not result in any flooding in the East Wall area.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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225. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Enniscorthy flood defence scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25256/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Enniscorthy (River Slaney) flood defence scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council (WCC) on behalf of the Commissioners of Public Works as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. This is a significant scheme within the Office of Public Works €1 billion flood relief investment programme nationally, from which the relevant funding for the Enniscorthy scheme will be made available, and on completion will protect 236 properties in the town.

The Scheme requires formal confirmation from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (MPER) to proceed. This is a statutory requirement under the Arterial Drainage Acts (ADA), which now, under the recent European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019, also requires the MPER to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed Scheme. This involves, inter alia, a formal review by MPER of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) commissioned by WCC and recently submitted (along with a Natura Impact Statement) to MPER as part of the formal Confirmation process.

DPER ran the statutory public consultation period required in relation to this process from July 28th to August 28th, 2020. The initial phase of the review of the EIAR and NIS was carried out by consultants engaged for this purpose by DPER, during September and early October. DPER subsequently forwarded submissions from the public consultation, and the EIAR and NIS reviews, to the OPW, along with a request for supplementary information, pursuant to ADA regulations 2019, to ensure that the design of the scheme complies with relevant environmental directives and regulations.

The OPW, Wexford County Council, and scheme consultants Mott Mc Donald formally submitted their response to DPER in the final week of April 2021. DPER and their consultants will now proceed to review the material submitted with a view to confirming the scheme. It is not possible to provide a specific timeline for a formal decision regarding confirmation in advance of that.

Completion of the above tasks and the progression of the flood relief scheme is a priority for all parties. In parallel with the confirmation process, OPW and Wexford County Council have been working on the following to ensure as efficient progression of the works as possible once the scheme is confirmed –

- the Foreshore licence application public consultation has been completed, approval expected mid 2021

- a legal agreement with Irish Water for diversion of services has been agreed. The detailed design for these works is complete, and contractor tender documents are currently being reviewed prior to advertisement.

- Technical approvals have been received from Irish Rail regarding the rail line crossings, with the legal agreement well advanced

- Archaeological excavations are ongoing

- Removal of invasive species (e.g. Japanese Knotweed) is ongoing

- Pre-qualification of the bridgeworks contractor is almost complete, with a view to expediting contractor appointment post-confirmation