Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

249. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of flood remediation works and arterial drainage schemes for County Clare in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21864/23]

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

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is undertaking five major flood relief schemes in County Clare, which are at various stages of design or construction. The Council is managing localised flood and coastal risks through the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The OPW also has arterial drainage responsibility in County Clare. The details are set out below.

Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme (Major Scheme)

The OPW, Shannon Group and Clare County Council are working together on the development of the Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme with Clare County Council acting as the Contracting Authority for the project and funding provided by the OPW. Consultant engineers for the scheme are RPS.

The total project budget is €41m. Currently preliminary design options are being prepared and a final design option for this scheme is expected to be finalised in the coming months, with planning consent being sought in the second half of 2024.

Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme (Major Scheme)

The OPW and Clare County Council are working together on the development of the Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme with Clare County Council acting as the Contracting Authority for the project and funding provided by the OPW. Consultant engineers for the scheme are JBA Consulting/JB Barry and Partners Joint Venture (JV).

The total project budget is €6.6m and is expected to protect 194 residential properties.

The proposed Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme is currently at Stage I and a Public Participation Day was held in August 2022 inviting members of the public, local businesses, and other interested parties to attend to submit comments and make their views known on the scheme's emerging options. Information gathered through this public engagement was considered in the development of the final options for the scheme. A further Public Consultation Day was held in April 2023 where the Preferred Fluvial Scheme was presented to the public. It is expected to move to Stage 2 Planning in Q1 2024.

Springfield Flood Relief Scheme

The OPW and Clare County Council are working together on the development of the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme with Clare County Council acting as the Contracting Authority for the project and funding provided by the OPW. Consultant engineers for the scheme are Byrne Looby.

The Springfield Flood Relief Scheme is currently at Stage IV: Construction and includes the construction of an 850m flood protection embankment, land raising, penstock / sluice, pump station and associated works at the townland and surrounding areas of Springfield and Clonlara Co. Clare. The scheme will protect 18 properties once compete. The total project budget is approximately €4m.

The Springfield Flood Relief Scheme is programmed for completion in July of this year. Permanent pumps for the scheme will be installed at end of Q2 2023 when weather permits. Temporary pumps are currently in place to allow the scheme be operational and provide protection to the area.

Bunratty Flood Relief Scheme

The Bunratty Flood Relief Scheme is currently being progressed by Clare County Council who is preparing to tender for a consultant to carry out a feasibility study and to carry out site investigations before moving to the next stage of the project. The feasibility study will determine if a scheme can be identified that is technically and environmentally viable and constitutes value for money.

Kilrush Flood Relief Scheme

Clare County Council are currently preparing tender documents for procurement of technical consultancy services for the Kilrush Flood Relief Scheme. The scheme will protect 19 properties once complete.

Minor Works

In addition to the above flood relief schemes, the OPW has approved €3.8m under the 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.

Arterial Drainage Maintenance

The OPW is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended. Some 2,100km of channel and some 135km of embankments are maintained annually. The OPW Annual Maintenance Programme for 2023 includes maintenance in County Clare on the Creegh, Fergus and Owenogarney Arterial Drainage Schemes.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

250. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on any remedial works his Department intends to undertake on OPW sites in County Clare in 2023. [21865/23]

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

Additional time is needed to collate the required information. The OPW will respond to the Deputy directly on the matter.