Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
18. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the action taken regarding the assessment of the National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme in relation to Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27269/26]
View answer23. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the engagement there has been between his Department and Louth County Council on the issues of progressing CFRAM projects and shorter term flood mitigations in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27342/26]
View answer75. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on planned flood relief schemes for Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27268/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 23 and 75 together.
In 2019, the Bellurgan Flood Relief Scheme was completed and is protecting 35 properties from significant flood risk.
The Office of Public Works, (OPW), is funding 6.5 staff in Louth County Council who lead 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. When I visited Blackrock in December last year, I discussed the options for Blackrock. The emerging options for Blackrock were presented to the public in March 2026 and the emerging options for Dundalk are due to be presented to the public at the end of this month. The preferred options for the scheme are expected later in the year with planning consent submitted in 2028.
The combined Drogheda and Baltray Scheme is to protect 425 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in September, 2021. Emerging Options will be presented to the public in Q3 2026 and the preferred option is expected in Q4 2026, with planning consent submitted in 2027.
The OPW approved €339,480 for a viable option to protect 30 properties in Ardee. The option, identified by Louth County Council, is to be complete at the end of this year.
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 the interim the Council is assessing areas where works could improve the conveyance characteristics. The OPW approved €27,685 in April 2025 for improved conveyance works at Brown’s Lane/Newry Street that are now complete. Further funding of €924,636 was approved by OPW in March 2026 for an upgrade to the Carlingford Watercourse Culvert.
Following Storm Chandra, in late January this year, I met with the Chief Executive of Louth County Council and other members of the Council's senior management team on 2nd March to discuss potential interim measures that could be introduced over the coming months, to protect against any future event. The Council has recently submitted a business case which is being reviewed by my Office. I hope, shortly, to inform Louth County Council of the outcome of this review.
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 Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, for 26 projects. I expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria and details for the scheme shortly, including an increase in the funding limits for each project from €750,000 to €2m.
