John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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169. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the River Poddle flood alleviation scheme, including expenditure and timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16315/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The River Poddle that traverses Tallaght, Templeogue, Harold's Cross, Kimmage and Temple Bar has a long history of flooding, including in 2011. The River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme is jointly led by South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council to manage that flooding risk.

The preferred scheme design was submitted to An Bord Pleaná la in February 2020 and was granted planning permission in June 2023.

The River Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme commenced construction in Q1 2024, and is being undertaken by the OPW's direct labour force. Approximately 37% of the works have been completed to date. Works at Tymon Park are complete and works in Ravensdale Park are due to be completed at the end of this year. Instream works including underpinning concrete walls in Fortfield Road are scheduled to commence during the instream season from July to September this year and be completed during the instream season in 2026.

It is estimated that the construction works will be substantially complete by the end of Q2 2027.

When complete, the scheme will provide flood protection against 1 in 100 year flood events to 921 residential and commercial properties; and will be adaptable to the increased risk from climate change.

Funding for the scheme is provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is part of the Government’s commitment of €1.3 billion for the delivery of flood relief measures over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030.

The Total Project Budget for this scheme is estimated at some €21.7m, with total expenditure to the end of 2024 of €4.9m. Updates on the progression of the scheme are available on the scheme's website that is available through the OPW's floodinfo website (www.poddlefas.ie/).

The OPW is funding an engineering staff member in South Dublin County Council to project manage this scheme's engineering and environmental consultants and manage the engagement with landowners and other interested stakeholders.