Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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238. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a flood defence scheme (details supplied) will advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29740/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Since 2009, the Office of Public Works, (OPW) has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €5.9 million to County Cork for some 45 projects.

The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009. Applications for funding from local authorities are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on floodinfo.ie.

Funding approval under this scheme of €295,027 was allocated to Cork County Council in 2021 for minor embankment and improvement works, construction of a flood defence, a storm water pumping station, new drainage pipes and associated works at the location concerned. Cork County Council confirmed that they are providing additional funding to allow an enhanced scheme to be developed, building on the elements of the approved OPW Minor Works Scheme. Hydraulic modelling work that was completed in early February 2024 will further inform the scheme.

While Cork County Council had planned to advertise the tender for a Consultant to undertake the detailed design, planning, procurement and management of the delivery of the project in Q2 2024, they have confirmed that due to circumstances beyond their control, there has been a delay in proceeding to tender for a Consultant to deliver this project. The Council now propose that the Consultant tender will be advertised in Q4 2024.