Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

386. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Blackpool flood relief scheme; the reason no works have commenced to date despite plans being finalised; and the timeframe for the commencement and completion of each phase. [48703/25]

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

The River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme requires consent under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 (as amended) before the commencement of construction can occur. The scheme previously received consent in March 2021, however this decision was challenged by Judicial Review and ultimately overturned in early 2022.

On foot of both legal advice and the expert views of independent environmental consultants, my Department sought further information from the OPW on the environmental impacts of the scheme in order to inform the consent process. The OPW have supplied further information to this effect, most recently in April 2025 and August 2025.

My Department launched a period of public consultation into the scheme on the 5th of September 2025, and this will run until the 10th of October 2025. This public consultation is required under the provisions of the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019.

On expiry of the period of public consultation, any submissions received will be assessed and taken into consideration as part of the wider consent process. This will inform next steps and associated timelines.