Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
272. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding maintenance of the river Dargle flood relief scheme; the position regarding issues with debris being deposited on a flood overflow area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47209/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development, planning and construction of the Bray (River Dargle) Flood Relief Scheme was undertaken under local authority powers, with funding provided by the OPW. Works on the scheme were completed in November 2017, with maintenance commencing in 2018. The scheme provides protection against a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (1-in-100 years) fluvial flooding event and a 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability (1-in-200 years) tidal flooding event for some 660 properties.
Wicklow County Council, as the scheme’s lead authority, maintains and upkeeps the scheme. Maintenance activities include the clearance of silt and debris from the river channel, clearance of trash and debris screens, control of invasive species, and routine maintenance of outfall valves, culverts and demountables. The OPW reimburses Wicklow County Council for all eligible, valid and vouched expenditure and costs incurred in the maintenance of the scheme. Payments made to Wicklow County Council in respect of recouped maintenance costs are indicated below.
|
Year |
Recoupment Cost |
|
2021* |
€70,023.74 |
|
2022 |
€16,995.57 |
|
2023 |
€48,161.47 |
|
2024 |
€41,061.20 |
|
2025 |
€9,953.75 |
|
Total |
€186,195.73 |
The OPW has discussed the deposition of material removed from the river channel during maintenance of the Bray (River Dargle) Flood Relief Scheme with Wicklow County Council. The OPW has received assurances from the Council that this material is deposited in an area that is above the design flood level, and outside the design flood extent, of the Flood Relief Scheme.
*This payment relates to the recoupment of maintenance costs incurred since completion of the scheme.
