Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

222. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will provide new stacked timbers, known as stoplogs, or wooden panels known as flashboards, to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17525/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended.

The property in question is adjacent to the Mulkear Ballymackeogh Certified Drainage Scheme. In line with the access lane into the property a gap has been formed in the flood defence embankment, which enables the resident to access the banks of the river. Placed within the gap in the embankment are two pillars and a demountable barrier in the form of removable timber stoplogs. This arrangement enables the resident to install and remove the demountable barrier depending on the time of year and flood levels in the Newport River.

While the OPW has no responsibility for the operation or maintenance of the stoplogs, it previously replaced the stoplog for the resident as a once off measure. In 2023, the OPW undertook refurbishment works to the flood defences adjacent to the relevant property. While planning these works, the OPW proposed the construction of a continuous embankment adjacent to the relevant property, with "up-and-over" access to be made available to the resident. The OPW did not proceed with this proposal, as the resident’s preference is to maintain the demountable arrangement.

While it is not typical for the OPW to fund, provide, maintain or operate demountable barriers when they do not form part of a Certified Drainage Scheme or on the request of private landowners, the OPW subsequently proposed to replace the existing timber stoplogs with new timber stoplogs. An agreement was not reached with the resident, who requested the installation of aluminium stoplogs, which was not considered feasible by the OPW.

As a goodwill gesture, the OPW's South West Drainage Maintenance Section (SWDMS) will engage once more with the resident. However, the OPW notes that it has no responsibility for the efficacy, operation or maintenance of the current arrangement. The OPW recommends that the resident undertake their own full Health & Safety risk assessment and ensures that appropriate measures are in place to provide for their own safety and that of other residents when operating the current and any future demountable barrier system.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

223. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans, if any, that the OPW has to de-risk pluvial flooding in the Celbridge area of Kildare. [17557/24]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

224. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans, if any, that the OPW has to de-risk natural flooding events in the Celbridge area of Kildare. [17558/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.

Pluvial flooding is a matter for the Local Authority to investigate and address. The query should be directed to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The Shinkeen Stream (Hazelhatch) Flood Relief Scheme which comprised of channel widening and deepening along the Shinkeen stream was completed in 2001 and provides protection against a 100-Year fluvial flood (1% Annual Exceedance Probability) for 26 properties.

In 2018, to establish those communities that are at risk from significant flood events, the Office of Public Works (OPW) completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State: the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of that risk. Some 150 flood relief schemes were identified through this Programme.

The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of these flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk.

Arising from the CFRAM study, Celbridge was identified as an area subject to further assessment, and I can confirm that a Scheme Viability Review (SVR) for Celbridge is nearing completion and the results of this review will be discussed and progressed with Kildare County Council. The purpose of a SVR is to determine whether or not potential schemes should be taken forward to full flood relief scheme project status and stages (i.e. design, planning and construction).