James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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358. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he can detail the ongoing role of the Office of Public Works in relation to the Sandymount flood relief scheme now that a company (details supplied) has been appointed to design the Sandymount flood defence scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3468/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation of the national programme of flood relief schemes to protect Ireland against significant flood risk from rivers and the sea. A key part of the OPW’s role is to oversee and manage the implementation of a programme of investment in capital flood relief works, which includes Local Authorities being the lead authority in the delivery of Flood Relief Schemes (FRSs).

In 2022, Dublin City Council agreed to be the lead authority to deliver the Sandymount Flood Relief Scheme. To facilitate the progression of the Scheme, the OPW and Dublin City Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2023, which sets out the roles of both Dublin City Council (Sponsoring Agency) and the OPW (Approving Authority). As an Approving Authority under the Infrastructure Guidelines, the OPW has responsibility for the provision of project funding and project approvals at key milestones, while also providing technical oversight to ensure that the Scheme is designed to an appropriate Standard of Protection.

In 2024, Dublin City Council appointed an engineering consultant to enable the design and delivery of the Scheme, with the OPW approving the appointment of the consultant in accordance with its Sectoral Guidance for the Delivery of Flood Relief Schemes.

The project Steering Group meets monthly to oversee the delivery of the projects. The OPW is represented on the Steering Group through the provision of technical and administrative staff. Following the identification of a preferred design option, the Scheme will be required to go through various stages of development including environmental assessments, planning (Stage 2), detailed design (Stage 3) and construction (Stage 4).

The Scheme is being funded through the Government’s National Development Plan, which has a provision of €1.3bn for flood relief measures. When completed, it is envisaged that the Scheme will provide protection to some 1,100 properties.