Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
27. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the assessment of the National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme in relation to Louth; the action taken on foot of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70366/25]
View answer37. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the engagement between the OPW and local authorities and other relevant Departments in relation to the Blackwater River and Ramparts River, Dundalk, County Louth regarding flood management and waste water management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70258/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 37 together.
The Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State, was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018.
In relation to County Louth in 2019, the Bellurgan Flood Relief Scheme was completed and is protecting 35 properties from significant flood risk.
Through the agreed delivery model, and with OPW funding for six staff, Louth County Council is leading the delivery of five flood relief schemes at Dundalk/Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford/Greenore, Baltray and Ardee. The Government has committed funding to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South scheme is to protect 1,880 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. The design options for this scheme are expected to be presented to the public in Q1 2026 and a preferred option presented in mid-2026. The planning application is expected to be submitted in Q4 2027. The Ramparts and Blackwater Rivers form part of the study area for the Dundalk Flood Relief Scheme. Options to alleviate flooding along these watercourses will be identified as the scheme progresses and the scheme consultants are liaising with relevant stakeholders including Uisce Éireann in relation to wastewater.
The combined Drogheda and Baltray scheme is to protect 425 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in September, 2021. The scope of the area for the scheme was recently extended and the consultant had to undertake further modelling work to identify preliminary measures to protect the extended areas. Emerging Options for the scheme will be presented to the public in Q2 2026. The planning application is expected to be submitted in Q2 2027.
Funding of €339,480 for a viable option, identified by Louth County Council, for Ardee to protect some 30 properties, was approved by the OPW in July 2025. These works are being progressed by Louth County Council and they have advised that these works are to be complete by Q4 2026.
Louth County Council and the OPW are reviewing requirements for a brief to procure engineering and environmental consultants for the Carlingford and Greenore scheme.
In April 2025, the OPW approved funding of €27,685 to Louth County Council for works at Brown’s Lane/Newry Street. This work is now complete and will increase water conveyance capacity and reduce surface water flooding at this location. Louth County Council is assessing areas where works could improve the conveyance characteristics of the Carlingford drainage system and intend to make an appropriate application for funding for proposed works to the OPW.
Scheme Viability Reviews have indicated that potentially viable schemes can be achieved for Annagassan and Termonfeckin and will be progressed through the next round of projects under the national programme of flood relief schemes.
Since 2009, funding of some €1.9 million has been approved for Louth County Council under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, for 26 projects.
