Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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232. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide all documentation and engagement the OPW has had with the local authority and any other entity, private or public, following weather events in February 2021 (details supplied). [41616/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works is not in a position to provide the documentation as requested by the Deputy in this format but can provide the following update on developments since the flood event in Fermoy in February.

The Fermoy North flood defence scheme construction commenced in 2009 and was completed in 2011.  The Scheme comprises grass embankments, permanent walls and demountable flood barriers and pumping stations and is designed to protect 77 properties on the north side of Fermoy against the 1-in-100-year flood event.  Damages avoided in such an event in are in the order of €18m.

Cork Co. Council carries out the operation and maintenance of the Fermoy North scheme on behalf of OPW, the Contracting Authority.  An OPW-developed Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), which is used for both the towns of Fermoy and Mallow, is operated by Cork County Council staff in Mallow. Upon receipt of a flood warning, Local Authority staff erect the substantial demountable defences on the completed scheme on the north side.

The flood event which occurred in Fermoy on the night of 22 and morning of 23 February led to three properties flooding on Brian Ború Square and flooding in the Town Park area, although no properties flooded there.

Cork County Council, in conjunction with OPW, have been investigating the possible cause or causes  which led to the February flood event, including investigations regarding the functioning of the pumping stations, at both Rathealy Road, and the Western Embankment.

Currently a specialist is engaged to provide a full comprehensive diagnostic analysis of both Fermoy North pumping stations. This analysis will aim to determine what occurred in February and to establish if all the original pumping systems are functioning correctly (as designed), and if not to provide appropriate recommendations to rectify any outstanding issues.

In the interim, Cork Co. Council and OPW have put in measures to prevent an event such as February happening again and following completion of the investigations will carry out any required works to remedy any outstanding issues.