Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:155. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the planned Arklow flood protection scheme. [47901/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 June 2026
Ceisteanna (155)
Freagraí scríofa
In 2018, the OPW completed the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest ever flood risk study in Ireland.
The Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP), the output of the CFRAM Programme, mapped at a community level, properties at potential significant flood risk and the viable measures to protect these at risk properties, representing some 95% of all properties assessed to be at significant risk from flooding.
Since 2018, through €1.3bn funding under the National Development Plan and working with the local authorities, the OPW has trebled, to some 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning and construction. These are referred to as Tranche 1 schemes, which includes the Arklow Flood Relief Scheme.
Arklow town experiences recurring floods that have caused widespread damage to public and private properties. Significant flooding of Arklow occurred in 1986, with the last major flood in 2015.
Arklow flood relief scheme was submitted by Wicklow County Council for Planning consent in 2021 and planning permission was received in July 2022. In December 2023, Engineering and Environmental Consultants were contracted by Wicklow County Council to develop the detailed design for this scheme to progress to construction.
The scheme involves underpinning of Arklow Bridge, River deepening and Debris/Gravel Trap, Storm Drainage and Pumping stations, and circa 1.5 km of Flood defences. The scheme will protect 778 properties of which some 141 are commercial. The procurement for the contractor has begun through a two stage process, and it is expected to appoint a contractor at the end of 2026.
Significant archaeology issues are being considered in relation to this scheme.