Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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30. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the Graiguenamanagh flood relief scheme; and the timeframe for completion [59967/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest study of flood risk in Ireland, was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. The 29 Flood Risk Management Plans were a key output of CFRAM, identifying proposed flood relief measures nationwide.

Since 2018, and working with local authorities, the OPW has trebled, to some 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning, or construction. There remain some 50 schemes, referred to as Tranche II, which were identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans and have yet to commence due to constraints in professional specialised engineering services and skills in Ireland. However, the Government has committed €1.3bn funding for flood relief measures under the National Development Plan.

The Government is investing some €97m in flood relief schemes completed and underway across County Kilkenny. Kilkenny County Council is leading the delivery of four flood relief schemes for Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch, Ballyhale, Piltown, and Freshford in the first tranche of schemes and piloting a new national delivery model. The OPW is funding two staff in Kilkenny County Council to project manage the delivery of these schemes.

The Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch Flood Relief Scheme commenced in March 2020. Ayesa (formerly Byrne Looby) were appointed as the engineering and environmental consultants. This scheme's design is very advanced and a Preferred Option for Graiguenamagh-Tinnahinch has been identified. This includes raised defences on the River Barrow along with raised defences and an upstream storage area on the River Duiske to prevent flooding. Where possible, new flood defence walls will replace existing walls throughout the scheme. These hard defences will protect properties from the 1% AEP (100 year) fluvial flood event. A total of 84 properties will be protected 31 Residential and 53 Commercial properties.

It is currently programmed for Kilkenny County Council to submit the Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch Flood Relief Scheme for planning permission at the end of 2025 with construction programmed to commence at the end of 2027. Construction of the scheme is expected to take two years to complete.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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31. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the up-to-date position on advancing flood defence works in the upper River Lee area of County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60178/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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To date, six communities across Cork County are protected from significant flood risk by completed flood relief schemes in Bandon, Clonakilty, Douglas, Dunmanway, Fermoy and Mallow.

Cork County Council with funding from the Office of Public Works (OPW), for nine staff is leading the delivery of six flood relief schemes in the initial tranche of schemes, nationally, with nine additional schemes planned.

Cork County Council, is proactively progressing the design for a preferred option for a viable flood relief scheme for Baile Mhuirne & Baile Mhic Íre that will protect 90 properties from significant risk of flooding. The design of this scheme has to take into account the design constraints in this area. The Council is currently developing a brief to review the structural capability of the three historic masonry bridges crossing the Sullane River that would be affected by the proposed scheme. The outcome of this review will identify the most efficient delivery model for the scheme and will inform the programme, timeline and budget for the delivery of the Baile Mhuirne & Baile Mhic Íre flood relief scheme.

In the interim, Cork County Council commissioned consultants to complete the design of interim flood relief measures for Baile Mhuirne & Baile Mhic Íre. The OPW has approved funding of some €500,000 to Cork County Council under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for the provision of temporary flood defence measures in this area. The works which are now complete include a sand bag defence structure, increased ground level with ramps and the installation of two non-return valves.

The commitment by the Government of €1.3bn under the National Development Plan for flood relief measures has allowed the OPW, nationally, to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design and construction to some 100. Due to the constraints in specialised engineering resources to design flood relief schemes, it was not possible, in 2018, to start work on all flood relief schemes identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans. The proposed flood relief schemes at Ballingeary and Inchigeelagh are two schemes to commence in the second tranche of schemes, nationally. The OPW is trialling a new delivery model that may inform the delivery model for these 50 Tranche 2 schemes, under the national programme.

It is open to Cork County Council to introduce further interim measures to mitigate against flood risk in these communities through the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme in advance of a flood relief scheme for these areas.

The OPW has approved funding of €130,000 to Cork County Council for channel clearance works in Ballingeary and Inchigeelagh. In August 2025 further applications for Ballingeary and Inchigeelagh have been submitted by Cork County Council for clearance of tress and scrub. These applications are currently under review by the OPW.