Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

112. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has examined the feasibility of providing for future greenway, walking and cycling infrastructure when planning further flood protection schemes in the vicinity of coasts, rivers and other locations; the consultation that has taken place with other Departments and agencies in this general area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10532/23]

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

Engineering and environmental consultants appointed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and local authorities, under the current national programme of major flood relief schemes, as part of the National Development Plan, do assess the potential to enhance local public realm and environment within reasonable costs as part of a scheme’s overall design for at risk communities.

While the provision of walkways and cycleways is a matter for local authorities, the OPW works with the local authorities and other State bodies in relation to their planned development of such community assets, where feasible. In this context, consideration of greenways forms part of the consultant’s brief for flood relief schemes being designed for Limerick City and Environs as well as for Dundalk and Ardee, Co Louth. 

All design briefs typically require the consultant to assess the potential for the Scheme to enhance the local public realm and environment, within reasonable cost. As part of the development of any scheme there are typically collaborative workshops held with the council and the wider stakeholder groups one purpose of which is to determine if and how these public realm goals and objectives may inform design features for a Scheme that would bring added value to the project. This is achieved through a joined up approach to public sector works and provides multiple benefits and results in a more locally valuable and acceptable project.