Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Government has allowed for €1 billion of capital investment in Flood Risk Management to 2030 as part of the National Development Plan. This allocation is to allow the OPW, in collaboration with Local Authority Delivery Partners, to continue implementation of its comprehensive programme of investment in flood relief schemes nationally. The Office of Public Works has planned significant expenditure for flood relief works in County Cork as part of the NDP. The projects in County Cork to be undertaken in 2022 are included in this expenditure profile.

I wish to advise the Deputy of the schemes to be undertaken in County Cork in 2022:

Bantry Flood Relief Scheme

A Steering Group, comprising 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 for the scheme, which will protect some 198 properties. Cork County Council issued the tender documentation for the procurement of Engineering Consultants. The Tender Evaluation and Sign Off Process for the appointment of a Consultant to undertake the Engineering and Environmental Consultancy Services for the delivery of the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme is almost completed, and it is expected that the preferred tenderer will be notified in the coming weeks.

Douglas Flood Relief

The Douglas flood relief scheme (incl Togher culvert) is being progressed by Cork County Council and Cork City Council (following boundary extension). In November 2017 planning approval was given by An Bord Pleanála for the Douglas (incl Togher culvert) scheme. The scheme is being delivered in 3 Phases. Construction of the scheme commenced in 2019, with the first two phases now substantially complete. The construction contract was awarded for the final phase, Phase 3 - Togher Main works in Summer 2021 with the scheme now at construction. The total project budget for the scheme is €28m which will protect 231 properties. The programme of works for Phase 3 is 16 months.

Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme

The Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme at Glanmire / Sallybrook, Cork is being progressed by Cork City Council. This scheme was confirmed on 18^thJanuary 2021 by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The scheme will provide protection to 103 properties with an estimated total project budget of €17.8m. Cork City Council as the Contracting Authority for the project will appoint the civil works contractor. Tenders for the above scheme were invited by Cork City Council on E-tenders on 30^thSeptember 2021 with the closing date for receipt of tenders of 22^ndDecember 2021. The construction works are expected to be completed within 18-24 months. Following tenders being received, the tender assessment will be completed with a view of construction beginning in Q1 2022.

Midleton Flood Relief Scheme

The Midleton flood relief scheme with an estimated cost of €50m is currently in the final stages of the Scheme Development stage. The next Public Participation Day is to be scheduled for Q2 2022. A Scheme Climate Change Adaptation Plan is being included in the scheme to aid in current and future options.

Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera Flood Relief Scheme

The Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera flood relief scheme is currently at outline design stage. The preferred option is being progressed with a view to finalising in the coming months. The Project Team is currently assessing the potential impact of any proposed flood relief measures in the respect of notable environmental and fisheries’ sensitivities in the Ballymakeera Study Area, and engaging with the Project’s Environmental Consultants in order to ensure that suitable mitigation requirements are implemented, and appropriate processes to comply with statutory provisions are followed. It is anticipated that the scheme can progress to Public Exhibition within the coming months. The estimated project budget for the scheme is €17.9m.

Skibbereen Flood Relief

The Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme was substantially completed on 6th June 2019.All known defects arising from the construction have been remedied, with some delays as a result of Covid-19.

Some drainage works on Cork Road, which fall outside the remit of the main Scheme, have subsequently been identified as being necessary. Detailed assessments are currently being progressed by Cork County Council in conjunction with the OPW and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), to identify the most effective solution. The OPW is providing some funding under the Minor Works & Flood Mitigation Scheme towards these works.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that in 2021 Cork County Council has been notified that funding has been approved for the following applications submitted under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme. Progression of these works is a matter for Cork County Council.

-	Area	Applications	Funding
Cork County Council	Garranachole Castletownroche	Installation of gully trap and perforated drainage pipes and associated works	€22,500
Cork County Council	Garranachole Castletownroche	Installation of gully trap and perforate drainage pipes and associated works	€22,500
Cork County Council	Pilmore Sluice Youghal	Repair /replacement of sluice gate & associated works	€34,392
Cork County Council	Crookstown	Storm water pumping station, new drainage pipes and associated works	€297,027
Cork County Council	Lower Adamstown Ballinhassig	Replace culvert under R613 with a Section 50 compliant culvert	€40,000
Cork County Council	Bantry interim works	Works- mobile pumps, sump chambers, sealing gullies, non-return valves, large sandbags and associated works	€101,578