Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme - Ireland’s largest study of flood risk, was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two-thirds of the population against their risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. An output of the CFRAM Programme, the Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans provide the evidence for a proactive approach for designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities. The delivery of these Plans is supported by €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan to 2030. To date, 55 schemes have been completed, which are providing protection to over 13,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion.

It is not possible to progress all 150 flood relief schemes identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans simultaneously. This is due to the limited availability of the professional and specialised engineering skills required to design and construct flood relief schemes. This prioritised approach to delivering flood relief schemes means that work is complete, or underway to protect some 80% of all at-risk properties nationally.

The proposed Flood Relief Scheme for Inchigeela is not in the first phase of projects being progressed as part of the national programme. It is a Tranche II scheme and a viable scheme will provide protection to 28 properties when completed. Once consultants are appointed to progress the scheme, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the general public will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the scheme.

The OPW is working closely with Local Authorities, and at all times strives to expedite and progress capital flood relief works with the minimum of delay. It is open to Cork County Council to make an application under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, to undertake minor flood mitigation works to address localised fluvial flooding in advance of the proposed Flood Relief Scheme for this area.

The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works may be up to a value of €750,000 with 90% funded by the OPW and are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council. The OPW welcome applications under this scheme and is always willing to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.