Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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90. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps being taken to alleviate constrictions to the flow of water in the Shannon Callows between Athlone and Meelick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11044/22]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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100. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress to date on the €7 million investment in the removal of the pinch points on the River Shannon which will address the scale of summer flooding in the Shannon Callows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11045/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 100 together.

The Government has noted the study by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group that supports a programme of strategic maintenance to help mitigate flooding along the River Shannon and a further study on the removal of a series of constrictions or ‘pinch points’ through the Shannon Callows that can help to delay flooding in the area. The Government has agreed that the OPW will provide €7m for all of these works, of which €4m relates to the removal of ‘pinch points’ through the Shannon Callows. 

Work is advancing to progress the project for the removal of ‘pinch points’ in the Shannon Callows.  A Steering Group has been established to oversee this project and a scope of work has been drafted for the appointment of a consultant to identify and manage all of the activities that are necessary to progress through the planning process to enable the commencement of these works. This includes the identification and completion of all environmental assessments.  The OPW and Waterways Ireland met on 15 February, 2022 to progress the tender documentation and it is anticipated that the tendering process for this service will commence in the coming weeks.  Waterways Ireland, on behalf of the Shannon Group, will act as the Contracting Authority for this project. 

The works can only commence following the completion of the appropriate environmental assessments and after receipt of planning permission.  This is a time intensive process and there are a range of variables outside the control of the Shannon Group that may impact on the overall timescale for delivery of the project. 

I would like to assure the Deputy that my officials and I have been working with Waterways Ireland to progress this project as soon as possible and I last met with Waterways Ireland on 1st December, 2021 in this regard. 

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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91. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 62 of 23 September 2021, 108 of 16 November 2021 and 210 of 20 January 2022, the expected timeline for stage 2 of Coirib go Cósta, namely the submission of planning documentation to An Bord Pleanála and the completion of all environmental assessments and consents; the status of the Coirib go Cósta flood relief works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11403/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Galway City Council, as Project Sponsor and Contracting Authority, is leading the development of the Coirib go Cósta – Galway City Flood Relief Scheme, with technical advice and funding being provided by the Office of Public Works.

On the 30th November last year, I visited Galway City and met with representatives from Galway City Council and the OPW, who are working on the progression of the scheme, to discuss the issues and potential solutions for these vulnerable areas of the city.

The objective of the Coirib go Cósta Projectis to assess, design and deliver a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme, which has a preliminary total project budget estimate of €9.5m and when complete will protect over 940 properties in the Long Walk, Spanish Arch, Eglinton Canal, Merchants Quay, Raven Terrace, Salthill and Claddagh areas of Galway City from tidal and river flooding. 

The scheme is currently in Stage 1 and the preliminary draft options for the scheme are programmed to be presented to the general public towards the end of this year. 

Currently, it is programmed that Stage 2 will begin towards the end of 2023 with the scheme expected to be submitted for planning approval to An Bord Pleanála in Quarter 3 of 2024, following the completion of all environmental assessments.

This scheme represents a significant investment for Galway City, which will be undertaken with all due consideration for regulatory, planning, environmental and social constraints, while  achieving the goal of delivering a viable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway City.