Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

299. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason it was decided to not proceed with the relocation of a family (details supplied) as part of the voluntary homeowners relocation scheme, despite repeated severe flooding of their home and all indications being that they would be relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35986/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Nationally, 55 flood relief schemes have been completed to date which are providing protection to over 13,500 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion.

In 2018, to facilitate the development of a programme of works, the OPW completed a strategic study - the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme. The CFRAM programme resulted in the publication of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans which provide the roadmap for the Government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030.

Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning and construction to some 100 schemes.

The Castlefinn flood relief scheme is being delivered as part of a bundle of projects that includes Burnfoot, Downings and Glenties. Currently the Castlefinn scheme is at Stage 2 Planning.

The €8.2m flood relief scheme for Castlefinn is to protect 33 properties from significant flood risk.

Part of the process for the design of any flood relief scheme fully explores all possible options and advances those viable options that meet the necessary technical, social, environmental and economic criteria.

During the design stage of the community based Castlefinn flood relief scheme, a relocation option for one property in Coolyslin, was considered through the optioneering process. Implementing this option of relocation can only be addressed through the Voluntary Homeowners’ Relocation Scheme (VHRS) that was introduced by the Government in 2017 to address the very serious flooding of those homes that flooded in the Winter of 2015/16. This property however does not qualify for the VHRS. Therefore it has been determined that relocation is not an option that can be provided for under the proposed scheme for Castlefinn.

While an alternative engineering solution was identified as a potential option for this property at an earlier stage, this option requires further exploration. More detailed engineering and environmental analysis is now going to be undertaken to assess the flood risk and the potential viable options for this and any additional properties at risk from flooding under the current flood risk and climate change future scenarios. This work is continuing with the consultants for the Castlefinn flood relief scheme.

For the remaining 32 properties planning documentation is being completed over the coming months with the intention to submit the substantive scheme for planning consent in Q4 of 2025.