Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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417. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood relief works in Athlone, County Westmeath. [29015/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme is being led by Westmeath County Council with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Construction works are being undertaken directly by the OPW’s Direct Labour and Directly Managed Services.

Further to the deputy’s question, significant progress has been made to date and construction of the Scheme is continuing to progress well with approximately 80% of the length of flood defences for the Scheme now complete. This includes flood walls, earthen embankments and glass walls with ancillary works such as drainage, pumping stations and masonry cladding still to be completed to varying degrees for each flood cell. The works are complete in Iona Park with the current anticipated timeline for completion of the remaining flood cells as per the following table.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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418. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the efforts that are being undertaken by the State to expand flood-relief measures beyond built-up areas (details supplied) in County Wexford to support low-lying houses in the area which are at risk from flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29150/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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A major flood relief scheme at New Ross is complete and under the Government's National Development Plan €1.3bn is being invested to 2030 in flood relief schemes. This includes schemes for Enniscorthy, Rosslare and Wexford Town that are at the design and planning. I would expect that the investment in these schemes alone will exceed some €80m when complete.

Fifteen other communities across Wexford are benefiting from €3m investment by the Government since 2009 to address local flooding issues, through the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal protection Scheme. Under the scheme applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of all schemes are available on www.opw.ie. I note there are no current applications for works at Bridgetown, Duncormick and Wellingtonbridge in County Wexford under the Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

Following a significant flood event over Christmas 2021, Mr. Patrick O'Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works visited Bridgetown and Enniscorthy and saw at first hand and met those people and communities that were affected. During the visit the Minister advised Wexford County Council that assistance maybe available for those affected through the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to help the Council protect at risk properties at this area.

Since that time OPW staff have met with Wexford County Council to discuss the scope of and the application process for the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The OPW will continue to provide assistance to the Council to identify viable solutions for these at risk properties.