Local councils submit flood relief applications
Councils in Cavan and Monaghan have submitted applications to the Office of Public Works (OPW) in respect of several flood prone sites across the two counties.
The OPW is currently considering applications for flood mitigation projects at Ballyhaise Pitch, Ballyhaise; Cavan Rd, Breandrum; Kilmore Lower; Corgarve Castletara; Mullinavaranogue, Redhills; Drumliffe, Ballyhaise; Knockateery, Cloverhill; and also Aghadreenagh, Redhills.
The applications were submitted by Cavan County Council, while an application for Drumfalra, Ballybay has been lodged by Monaghan County Council.
Funding for the measures is being sought under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
The OPW, in partnership with local authorities, is progressing 151 flood relief projects nationwide. Approximately 90 of these are either at construction or at other stages of design or consultant appointment, while the remainder will be progressed as part of the National Development Plan 2018-2027.
The detail was contained in a written reply to a parliamentary question tabled by Fianna Fáil’s Brendan Smith to the Minister at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
A flood relief scheme for Cavan Town has, meanwhile, been included in the initial phase of implementation of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State.
Cavan County Council confirmed in May 2019 that it would act as lead agency on the management and delivery of the proposed flood relief scheme in Cavan Town, and a steering group, comprising of representatives from the OPW and the council, is now in place to progress the scheme.
Potentially viable flood relief works for Cavan include Fluvial Flood Defences comprising of walls and embankments.
These measures have a preliminary estimated cost of €4.4m and, once complete, would protect 110 properties.
The response received by Deputy Smith stated that Cavan County Council, in partnership with the OPW, is currently “finalising” tender documentation for the procurement of engineering consultants to progress the scheme.
The tender, it was added, is due to be advertised very shortly to the OPW Framework of Consultants.
“Once consultants are appointed to progress the Flood Relief Scheme for Cavan, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the public, will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of this scheme.
“In the meantime, the council continues to carry out treatment of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) in the scheme area.”
Separately, three proposed schemes in County Monaghan - in Ballybay, Iniskeen and Monaghan town - are not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed. It was said the OPW and Monaghan County Council will work closely to ensure they will be commenced “as soon as possible”.