Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

209. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 4 October 2022, if the attention of his Department has been drawn to any flood risks associated with a site (details supplied); if any previous flooding incidents took place that caused damage; if so, if this was considered when replacing oil tanks at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52536/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading a proactive and whole-of-Government approach to managing flood risk that takes into account the risks associated with climate change. This approach is structured around three pillars: prevention, protection and preparedness. OPW is also the National Authority for the implementation of the EU Floods Directive.

There were three incidents of flooding at the Glendalough Visitor Centre between 2010 and 2012.  While there was damage to carpets and seating in the Centre itself, there are no records of any damage being caused to the existing oil tanks during these incidents.

The existing tanks are being replaced due to their age, construction type and condition.  The new oil tanks will be located in the same location as the existing structures, but they shall be positioned above ground level and surrounded by a new secure enclosure. The height of the tanks is being increased in order to assist with the gravity feed of oil to the boilerhouse. Raising of the height of the tanks above their current ground level position will also provide for enhanced protection from potential flood events.

Given the nature of the works proposed, a Flood Risk Assessment is not considered necessary, but given the Deputy's concerns, I have instructed my officials to arrange same prior to these works being undertaken.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

210. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the agreements that are in place between the Office of Public Works and local authorities in respect of removing debris and trees which have become trapped in bridges crossing rivers; the action that his Department and the OPW are taking together with local authorities to ensure that there is not an adverse outcome at these bridges as a result of increased rainfall and flooding; if all bridges will be inspected before the period of time when there would be increased rainfall and larger volumes of water in rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52518/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Local flooding issues are a matter in the first instance for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Concerns regarding potential obstructions or other hazards that might contribute to flooding in the context of a severe weather event should be brought to the attention of the relevant local authority. Under the Government’s Framework for Major Emergency Management, each local authority is designated the Lead Agency for co-ordinating the response to flood events within its functional area.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended.  Arterial drainage maintenance is an ongoing programme of works of a cyclical nature, typically every four to six years. Each year, the OPW prepares an annual arterial drainage maintenance programme for each region that identifies the proposed maintenance locations within each arterial drainage scheme catchment area. The annual maintenance programme is informed by data gathered from a variety of sources, including maintenance records, observations from inspections and from information provided by members of the public. In addition to these planned maintenance activities, the OPW may also carry out maintenance work where necessary to address issues that come to its attention.

This maintenance work is organised on a regional basis at locations in Mungret, Co. Limerick, Headford, Co. Galway and Trim, Co. Meath. Concerns regarding potential obstructions or other hazards on a channel that is maintained by the OPW should be brought to the attention of the OPW at floodinfo@opw.ie.  An online map of the country with detailed information on the location of schemes maintained by the OPW can be found on www.floodinfo.ie. 

Riparian owners of land also have an important role in ensuring that watercourses are managed and free flowing so that in extreme weather events the risk of flooding can be minimised. A guide to the rights and responsibilities of landowners is available online at www.flooding.ie.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

211. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current position in awarding a contract for the Glashaboy flood relief scheme; if he will outline the likely date when the contract will be awarded; when work is due to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52519/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme at Glanmire / Sallybrook, Cork is being progressed by Cork City Council. The Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Cork City Council are engaging proactively to progress the flood relief scheme for Glanmire.  

The Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme was confirmed in January 2021 by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 to 1995. The scheme is being funded from the €1.3 billion in flood relief measures under the National Development Plan to 2030, and as part of Project Ireland 2040.  Provision for the total project budget for this scheme is included in the Office of Public Works multi annual capital allocation.

The Glashaboy River Flood Relief Scheme will protect 103 properties from a significant risk of flooding.

The tender documentation for the procurement and appointment of a contractor was issued in September 2021 with a return date of 24^thJanuary 2022. Unfortunately, Cork City Council was not in a position to appoint a Contractor for the works on foot of this procurement process. However, Cork City Council is proceeding towards issuing updated Tender Documents in Q4 2022 with the schedule of works commencing in Q2 2023. Key project partners are working to minimise the overall delay in the completion of these works. 

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

212. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current position in awarding a contract for the Blackpool flood relief scheme; if he will outline the likely date when the contract will be awarded; when work is due to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52520/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed the River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme, under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, as amended, in March 2021, and construction was expected to commence in early 2022. 

In June 2021, the community group, Save Our Bride Otters (SOBO), was granted leave to apply for a Judicial Review of the confirmation of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. A stay was also granted on works being carried out pursuant to the confirmation, pending the resolution of these proceedings.

Following an extensive legal review of the grounds of the Judicial Review, and the statutory processes around the decision-making process, the Department of Public Expenditure and reform has agreed to consent to an order reverting the evaluation of the River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief scheme back to an advanced stage of further public consultation. In agreeing to this, DPER has conceded the matter on a single ground related to public consultation procedures on certain information as part of the confirmation process.

Following this decision, further information was requested by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the environmental impact assessment. The Office of Public Works provided this further information on 13 October 2022, which will now be subject to a further public consultation in relation to the scheme.  

The confirmation process for the scheme is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Subject to confirmation procurement for a contractor for the works will commence.