Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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337. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated completion date for the Whitechurch stream flood alleviation scheme; if temporary flood barriers will be erected ahead of the winter months should the permanent barriers not be completed in time; and if local residents will be informed of the comprehensive emergency protocols and rapid-response plans in place so as to reduce the significant anxiety being felt by some local residents. [68236/26]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme (Whitechurch Stream FAS) is being progressed by South Dublin County Council with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW), as part of the Government's commitment to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan. The Scheme consists of river bank improvements, flood defence walls, increasing wall heights, the removal or replacement of low-level bridges, and the provision of trash screens. The Scheme is expected to provide flood protection from the Whitechurch Stream for some 52 residential and commercial properties when complete.

The construction of the Whitechurch Stream FAS is being undertaken by the OPW's direct labour force, with approximately 75% of the linear meters of flood defences completed to date. The substantial completion date for the Whitechurch Stream FAS is programmed for the end of 2026. Temporary flood defences will remain in place for the remaining duration of the construction phase, and will be rechecked for effectiveness ahead of all flood forecast warnings.

South Dublin County Council that has responsibility for flood emergency response and planning, has advised that it will provide sandbags to local residents for flood mitigation, in advance of any future forecast flood events pending the scheme's completion.