Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 110 together.

The process of redefining the scope for the Coirib go Cósta - Galway City - Flood Relief Scheme, which is at Stage 1 Scheme Development and Preliminary Design, has taken longer than first envisaged due to the complexity and increase in scale of the scheme.

A draft revised scope reflecting additional works for the scheme has been presented by the scheme’s consultants to Galway City Council, who is the Lead Authority for the scheme. This revised scope has been reviewed by the Coirib go Cósta Steering Group members and agreement has been reached. In addition, the scheme’s consultants submitted a revised Stage 1 programme incorporating the additional scope, and this programme is being finalised by the Coirib go Cósta Steering Group. Due to the nature and complexity of flood relief schemes, the programme timelines that will be published will be subject to ongoing review throughout the development of scheme options, planning consent process, detailed design and construction tendering stage.

During my recent visit to Galway City, following the flooding caused by Storm Debi, I have requested that a meeting is held between Galway City Council and local representatives to update them on the scheme's progress. I’ve asked my officials to confirm with Galway City council that this meeting will take place in the coming four weeks. Details regarding the overall project programme will be communicated on the scheme’s website over the coming weeks , with the next Public Consultation Day envisaged to take place in Q4 2024. It should be noted that as part of the scheme communication strategy engagement with stakeholders is carried out at appropriate stages throughout the scheme development.

Investment in this scheme is through the €1.3bn for flood relief measures under the National Development Plan to 2030, which has allowed the OPW to treble the number of flood relief schemes nationally at design, planning, and construction stages to some 100 schemes. With regards to projected costs of Coirib go Cósta – Galway City Flood Relief Scheme, the scheme currently has a total project budget of €9.5m. The projected costs of the scheme will be updated once the preferred option for the scheme is identified and costed.

Since 2009, OPW has also approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of over €1.1m million to Galway City Council for projects including a project on Sruffaunacashlaun Stream & Distillery Canal to carry out channel maintenance on the open channel section of the stream, the culverted section under the Eglinton canal & replacement of a trash screen.