Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
68. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current status of each outstanding flood relief and coastal protection scheme in Waterford, including funds approved, drawn down or outstanding. [10981/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, the OPW completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State: the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of that risk.
A series of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans were launched in May 2018 by the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and An Taoiseach, providing the evidence base for some 150 new and additional flood relief schemes.
The Flood Risk Management Plan for the Blackwater River Basin (FRMP 18) published in 2018, stated that project level assessments and potential flood relief works will be undertaken within the townlands of Aglish, Ballyduff, and Dungarvan and Environs. Waterford City Flood Relief Scheme Phase 1 was completed in 2011, and Waterford City Flood Relief Scheme Phases 2-4 was completed in 2016.
There are no currently active major flood relief schemes in County Waterford. Aglish and Ballyduff have small scheme status with a projected total combined budget of €1,070,000. The agreed delivery model between the OPW and the County and City Managers Association for all small schemes, was for the local authority to progress these schemes, through design, planning and construction. Accordingly, these flood relief schemes have been assigned to Waterford City and County Council.
54 Tranche II schemes were identified by CFRAM, where design works have yet to commence, including for Dungarvan and Environs. The OPW is piloting a new delivery model for flood relief schemes through four Tranche II schemes in counties Kilkenny and Donegal, which is referred to as the Tranche II Pilot.
Waterford City and County Council have submitted a number of Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme applications to the OPW for works and studies in County Waterford. A series of Minor Works applications were received by the OPW throughout 2023 from Waterford City and County Council for proposed works located at Ardmore Beach and Abbeyside, Clonea Road, Dungarvan. The OPW completed its review of the proposed works for both Ardmore Beach and Abbeyside, Clonea Road, Dungarvan and subsequently issued a number of queries for the Council to address.
The OPW has received recent related correspondence from Waterford City and County Council and are currently reviewing same and are prepared to meet with the Council to discuss the applications.
A request for Minor Works funding was received by the OPW in 2020 for a proposed study at Ballinacourty. The OPW have reviewed this application and have requested further information from Waterford City and County Council, which will be reviewed when submitted. In March 2025, the OPW received a request for Minor Works funding for a study at West Street, Tallow, this application was approved in June 2025. Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €1.9 million to County Waterford for some 18 projects.
