Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
515. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37415/23]
View answerBallylongford, Co. Kerry was assessed as one of the 300 areas believed to be at significant flood risk under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme identified potentially viable flood relief works for Ballylongford that may be implemented after project-level assessment.
The €1.3bn government investment in flood relief will support 150 additional flood relief schemes nationally. These form part of the Flood Risk Management Plans launched in 2018. Since then the OPW has trebled the number of flood relief schemes at design and construction to some ninety schemes. While the proposed project for Ballylongford was not in the first phase of projects to be progressed, it is in the Tranche II list of schemes. The OPW and Kerry County Council are working closely to ensure that it will be commenced within the timeframe of the current National Development Plan.
In 2014 Kerry County Council applied to the Office of Public Works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for funding of €102,430 to carry out coastal flood mitigation measures in Ballylongford as a remedial measure. €92,187 (90%) was approved in January, 2015. Works commenced in February, 2015 and were completed in May, 2015. These works included the construction of embankments and raising of embankments, the construction of a wall and the construction of a ‘flapped’ chamber. The areas in which these works were undertaken are Bridge Street, Rusheen and Quay Street.
My Office will liaise with Kerry County Council so that the homeowner is contacted in relation to managing the flood risk at their property.
