Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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43. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the Glanmire flood relief scheme. [27405/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Cork City Council are engaging proactively to progress the Glashaboy (Sallybrook/Glanmire) Flood Relief Scheme for Glanmire.

The Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme includes the construction of new walls and earthen embankments, upgrades to existing culverts, the replacement of an existing bridge with a reinforced bridge at Hazelwood Shopping Centre, clearance of bridge eyes at Riverstown Bridge, channel widening, road re-grading and associated drainage works. The scheme, when complete, will provide flood protection to some 103 properties; 78 residential properties and 25 commercial premises, and will address the flood risk in a number of locations in the Glanmire area. The proposed scheme is designed to provide protection against a 1 in 100-Year fluvial flood.

The Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme was confirmed in January 2021 by the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 to 1995. The scheme is being funded from the €1.3 billion in flood relief measures under the Government’s National Development Plan.

In June 2023, following a successful tender competition, Cork City Council awarded the works contract to Sorensen Civil Engineering. In July 2023 Sorensen Civil Engineering mobilised to site carrying out site investigation works, working with utility providers to agree diversions, and engaged with stakeholders to facilitate works commencing at Cúil Chluthair and Springmount. The construction programme is anticipated to take 32 months (from commencement) with works divided into several zones to minimise disruption to the public and businesses.

Following the events of Storm Babet, interim flood relief measures were installed in Copper Valley Vue in December 2023 to help protect homes until the flood defence scheme is fully completed. Permanent works have recently commenced in this area, with instream works due to begin at the start of July 2024 on the replacement of three structures on the Glenmore Stream. Consultation is ongoing with Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to the instream works, which will continue throughout construction.

Significant works are underway on the R639, including the installation of a new culvert at Cois na Gleann and the construction of flood defence walls, as well as utility diversions. The R615 is currently closed to enable culvert installation, and the R639, which has had traffic restrictions for a number of weeks, is due to reopen in the coming days. Works will continue over the summer months on Hazelwood junction and will commence on Hazelwood Bridge. Flood defence measures, including a pumping station and storm-water network are under construction in Meadowbrook Estate. Works are also ongoing in Sallybrook, including the construction of a flood defence embankment.