Written answers
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Flood Risk Management
Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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384. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an update on proposed funding and works for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1113/25]
Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Cork County Council is the owner of and has responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the weir in Fermoy.
This weir does not form part of the Fermoy Flood Relief Scheme works, completed to protect the Fermoy community from a 1% AEP fluvial flood event. The in-river works that were completed maintained a clearance between the works area and the weir, thus avoiding scheme works impacting on the weir. Accordingly, the OPW has no statutory responsibility for this weir, including its repair and maintenance.
In February 2024, An Bord Pleanála approved Cork County Council’s application for the proposed Fermoy Weir Remedial Works and Fish Bypass development. In the intervening period, the Council and their representatives have been liaising with OPW in relation to seeking the appropriate statutory consents and planning conditions required to progress this project.
I understand that the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has confirmed that his Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland have undertaken to support any application by Cork County Council for central funding in the context of fisheries and habitat issues related to the weir remedial works and fish bypass project.
Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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386. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure the OPW assist and liaise with the local authority in relation to the collapse of a flood wall on the Camac River in Dublin 8 has affected local residents (details supplied). [1172/25]
Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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401. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the recent destruction of riverbanks and homes along the Camac in the Dublin 8 area and recommendations for the OPW to carry out essential works that mitigate further loss of riverbanks and structure collapse. [1651/25]
Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works, (OPW), was made aware on Monday 6th January of the collapse of a wall at the property referenced at Tyrconnell Street, Inchicore into the Camac River. The OPW made immediate contact with Dublin City Council that has been liaising with the affected property owners. Engineers in Dublin City Council have assessed the location along with their consultants/contractors. Dublin City Council has confirmed that remedial works are now underway to reduce any potential flood risk and enhance public safety. The OPW will have further engagement with Dublin City Council as necessary in relation to this matter.
In relation to any localised or urgent flood risk identified by Dublin City Council, it is open to the Council to apply for funding assistance through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
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 www.floodinfo.ie/
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