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

228. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform concerning the flood relief scheme for Freshford, County Kilkenny which was approved in May 2023 to be included as part of a national pilot to inform the delivery model for future flood relief schemes, the current status of this flood relief project; the timeframe for the commencement of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29320/24]

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

The Office of Public Works, as the lead agency for flood risk management, is coordinating the delivery of measures towards meeting the Government’s National Flood Risk Policy.

Since 2018, a phased approach to scheme delivery, in partnership with local authorities, has allowed the OPW to treble the number of schemes at design, planning or construction at this time to some 100 schemes.

The OPW is piloting a new delivery model for flood relief schemes through four Tranche II schemes in counties Kilkenny and Donegal. The scheme at Freshford is part of what is termed the Tranche II Pilot, along with Piltown and two schemes in County Donegal.

The Tranche II Pilot will transfer the management of data gathering, as a first step in designing a scheme, from consultant engineers for a single scheme to the local authorities for all schemes in the Pilot and, where feasible, within their areas of responsibility. The Pilot means that data gathering may be scaled up from individual communities to all schemes in a county. The Pilot will better inform the prioritisation of future schemes nationally and the scope of services required from consultants to design and construct flood relief schemes.

The Pilot’s Technical Working Group and Steering Group have been established, with both groups having recently met in May 2024. Significant preparatory work is underway, with the range of information and data-gathering requirements currently being considered and outlined.