Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
462. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a full update on the Ballinhassig flood relief scheme; the estimated timeline for the commencement of the planning process; and the estimated cost of the project. [9881/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two thirds of the population against their risk of flooding from rivers and the sea.The Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans, an output of CFRAM, provided the evidence for a proactive approach to designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities.
Investment of €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan has allowed the OPW, since 2018, to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning, and construction to some 100 schemes, including the scheme for Ballinhassig.
Under the national delivery model, Cork County Council is leading the delivery of Ballinhassig Flood Relief Scheme. The OPW is funding nine staff in Cork County Council to support the delivery of its programme of schemes across the county.
Cork County Council appointed engineering consultants to the scheme in January 2024.
Ballinhassig Flood Relief Scheme, is currently at Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design). The current estimated Project Budget for the scheme is approximately €3.2m.
The scheme consultants have identified the preferred design option for the scheme and the environmental assessments conducted by the Council are informing the planning route through the Part 8 process. Preparation of the documentation to support this planning application has been advanced by Cork County Council and is currently under review by the OPW. Subject to a successful planning application it is anticipated that the scheme could reach substantial completion in 2027 providing protection to eight residential properties which experience flooding from the Owenabue River
