Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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185. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the progress of the flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy, County Wexford; if any other potential issues could be raised to further delay its commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54081/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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In March 2020, the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland submitted the Enniscorthy Food Relief Scheme to the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for statutory confirmation, under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. The main elements of the proposed Scheme included construction of flood defence walls, river channel widening and deepening, and removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge with construction of new and replacement road and pedestrian bridges over the River Slaney. In March 2022, the Minister made a decision to refuse this Scheme due primarily to concerns on the impact of the Scheme on the environment and protected species including the freshwater pearl mussel.

Since March 2022 there has been extensive engagement between the OPW and Wexford County Council, who are the contracting authority for the Scheme. In Q4 2023, Wexford County Council submitted a proposed strategy for the progression of the Scheme to the OPW. The proposed strategy, which was approved by the OPW, comprises two phases for the delivery of the Scheme (i.e. Phase 1 Bridgeworks and Phase 2 Flood Relief Works).

Phase 1 of the Scheme will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the construction of a new pedestrian bridge and the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, which poses an obstruction to river flow through the town centre during flood events. Phase 2 of the Scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for Enniscorthy town.

The Project Steering Group is currently progressing design options for Phase I. An initial Public Consultation on Phase 1 took place in Q2 2025 to present emerging options to the public. A second Public Consultation is due to take place in Q4 2025 to present the preferred option to the public and stakeholders and to gather any relevant feedback.

To assist with a planning application submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP), relevant environmental surveys are currently being updated and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be prepared. It is envisaged that a planning application will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) in Q3 2026.

Prior to lodging a planning application with ACP a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) application will be required from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). Consultations with MARA will commence when sufficient detailed design has progressed.

With regards to Phase 2, Wexford County Council and the OPW are currently finalising a Project Brief in order to issue a tender for the appointment of a consultant and it is expected to go to tender in Q4 2025. It is envisaged a consultant will be appointed in Q1 2026. A detailed Programme for the overall Scheme (Phase 1 & Phase 2) will be subsequently developed for the Scheme following the appointment of a consultant for Phase 2.

The OPW and Wexford County Council remain committed to the progression of this Scheme, which currently has an approved total project budget of approximately €51m for flood relief measures, which will be funded under the Government’s €1.3bn for flood relief measures under the National Development Plan.