Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
32. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the progression of flood relief measures in Castlemartyr, Midleton, Mogeely, Killeagh, Rathcormac and Whitegate in Cork east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on proposed flood relief schemes in east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11098/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 35 together.
Through the Catchment-based 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 the 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, or construction to some 100 schemes.
Across Cork, nine flood relief schemes have been completed to date. Under the National Development Plan, the OPW is currently providing funding to Cork County Council for nine staff to deliver all 15 additional flood relief schemes across their area of remit. Six of these are in Tranche 1 schemes, which are underway at this time, including Midleton.
The Midleton Flood Relief Scheme is due to be submitted by Cork County Council to An Coimisiún Pleanála in Q3 2026 and be substantially complete by 2031, protecting up to 750 properties – that flooded during Storm Babet. Cork County Council, in June 2025, submitted the Maritime Area Consent Application to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority.
Advance Works at Tir Cluain, Midleton, have recently received planning consent under Part 8 and construction works, to protect 135 properties, are anticipated to commence later this year.
Cork County Council is rolling out the €5.8m Individual Property Protection Scheme across Midleton and East Cork to over 720 homes and businesses affected by Storm Babet in October 2023. This forms part of the Council’s emergency response plans for these areas. The Council is continuing to procure flood gates and civil contractors to deliver the scale of this programme as quickly as possible. Overall, 55% of barriers are now completed.
The Council and the OPW meet quarterly with the local elected representatives, businesses and the community to keep them updated on and to provide input to the planned works on the Midleton Flood Relief Scheme and other measures across East Cork. The next update is scheduled for 12th February 2026.
Under the national programme, work has yet to commence on three Tranche 2 flood relief schemes in East Cork, including Castlemartyr, Rathcormac, and Youghal. The Castlemartyr Area of Potentially Significant Flood Risk has been extended to include the village of Mogeely. The OPW is piloting a new delivery model in Counties Donegal and Kilkenny, which will inform the delivery of future Tranche II schemes nationally.
A detailed review of the flood mapping and risk for Killeagh will be undertaken to fully understand the flooding mechanisms in this community and the degree of risk present. Upon completion of the detailed review, this will allow for an assessment of future actions.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €7.4 million funding to Cork County Council for some 57 projects. Under the Minor Works Scheme, it is the responsibility of the local authority to advance the works, once approved by the OPW. This includes all environmental assessments, planning consents, health and safety requirements and landowner agreements.
The Council have completed a number of interim flood defence works in Midleton since Storm Babet in October 2023, along with interim flood mitigation measures for Rathcormac, Castlemartyr and Killeagh.
In January 2026, the OPW has approved funding of €107,708 for the procurement of an engineering consultant to conduct surveys and a study, and to recommend measures to mitigate the risk of flooding to properties in Whitegate Village, Co. Cork.
Cork County Council have advertised for engineering consultancy services for interim flood mitigation measures in respect of Mogeely and Castlemartyr.
I recently announced revisions to this Minor Works Scheme, including increasing the maximum funding under the scheme to €2m. My Office is finalising the details of these revisions, and I expect to announce these details shortly.
