Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

105. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of coastal flood defences in Dublin Bay; the amount that has been allocated to improving coastal defences over the next ten years given the increased threat of coastal flooding due to climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16265/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation of flood relief schemes to protect Ireland against significant flood risk from rivers and the sea. The Government has committed €1.3 billion, to 2030 under the National Development Plan, to deliver some 150 additional flood relief schemes identified as part of the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. Since 2018, a partnership between the OPW and Local Authorities throughout the country has allowed Ireland to treble the number of flood relief schemes currently at design, development and construction stages, to some 100 schemes.

The progression of Flood Relief Schemes (FRS) involves complex engineering and construction solutions and therefore requires lengthy planning and decision lead-in times. The process for the development of FRSs follows a number of stages including preliminary design, planning, detailed design and construction. Extensive and detailed technical analysis is required to establish the most appropriate solution, which also has to be adaptable to the increased risk from climate change. Extensive public consultation is also required at various stages to ensure that those affected by a scheme have the opportunity to input into its design and implementation. Ecological and archaeological issues often require in-depth analysis in order to ensure that the technical solution selected will meet the requirements of existing EU and national environmental legislation.

In relation to FRS along Dublin Bay, the OPW is currently providing technical and financial support to Dublin City Council (DCC), which is leading the development and design of flood relief schemes along Dublin Bay, which includes the following schemes:

Sandymount Flood Relief Scheme (FRS): In 2022, following discussions between the OPW and DCC, it was agreed that the Sandymount FRS would be best progressed through a Steering Group consisting of representatives from the OPW and DCC. To facilitate the appointment of consultants for the Sandymount FRS, and following extensive consultation with the OPW, DCC undertook a tender process for the establishment of the Multi Party Framework Agreement for Consultant Engineering Design Services for Flood Alleviation Projects, with the initial contract being the Sandymount FRS. DCC appointed consultants to develop the scheme in November 2024.

The development of a detailed project programme for the Sandymount FRS is now underway. It is envisaged that Stage 1 of the Sandymount scheme, to identify an option to manage the flood risk will take approximately 3 years. Following the identification of the preferred option, the Sandymount scheme will be required to go through various stages of development including environmental assessments for planning, detailed design and construction.

River Wad 1B Flood Alleviation Scheme: This scheme comprises a new culvert under the Howth Road and a new outfall under Clontarf Promenade. This scheme has been granted planning approval in September 2023. Detailed design is complete. Tenders for construction have been received and construction is envisaged to commence in Q2 2025.

Clontarf Promenade: DCC is currently engaging with the OPW regarding progression of a flood relief scheme. A preliminary business case/pre-feasibility report has been received from DCC and been reviewed by the OPW.

In addition, the OPW is also engaging with Fingal County Council regarding the Sutton and Howth North Flood Relief Scheme. A potential solution to flooding in this area was identified under the CFRAM Programme. While this scheme was not in the first tranche of schemes prioritised to be progressed, nationally, following the launch of the Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP) in 2018, there is a commitment by Government to progress this scheme under the National Development Plan.

It is also worth noting that local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Local Authorities in Dublin may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. A Local Authority may also apply to the OPW for funding of flood mitigation works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. 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.

The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects, with the balance being funded by the Local Authority concerned. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, which comprise economic, social and environmental criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.

Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €4.16 million to County Dublin for some 23 projects.