Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if it is proposed to intensify the level of co-operation on a cross-Border basis in relation to flooding and draining issues; if there are specific proposals to deal with flooding difficulties in County Cavan caused by the river Erne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51529/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2009, the OPW and the Department for Infrastructure, DfI Rivers, (which manages flood risk in Northern Ireland) agreed to establish a Cross-Border Co-ordination Group to co-ordinate the implementation of the EU Floods Directive. This work was supported by a Cross-Border Technical Co-ordination Group. These groups have met on numerous occasions since to coordinate on the identification of Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk, to share information, agree approaches to the production of flood mapping in border areas and to coordinate on the identification of measures and the preparation of Plans. This collaboration on cross border flood risk management is ongoing and a recent meeting was held on 14 May, 2026 and a further meeting is planned before the end of the year.
The Erne Catchment was assessed under the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), in close co-operation with DfI Rivers. The study considered increasing watercourse conveyance of the Erne system to lower water levels as a measure to reduce flood risk. This study revealed that water levels in the majority of the Erne catchment in Ireland remain unchanged regardless of any works that could be carried out in Northern Ireland.
DfI Rivers was represented throughout the CFRAM study on the relevant project steering, progress and stakeholder’s groups as well as on the National CFRAM Steering Group. DfI Rivers is a member of the National Floods Directive Coordination Group, which has met on 13 occasions since November 2018, with the last meeting held on 2 July, 2026. A further meeting is planned for Quarter 4 2026.
The OPW is funding 1.5 staff members in Cavan County Council to lead the delivery of flood projects across the county and the Council is working in partnership with the OPW. The Council is leading the delivery of the Cavan Town Flood Relief Scheme to protect 110 properties. Engineering and Environmental Consultants were appointed to the Scheme in May 2022. The development of the Scheme is overseen by a project Steering Group that meets monthly, with representatives from the OPW and the Council.
Emerging options for the scheme are expected in Q3 2026 and the next public consultation day is scheduled for Q4 2026. The preferred option, once selected, is due to be submitted for planning in Q1 2028.
Localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and a Local Authority may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. Local Authorities may also apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation and coastal protection works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under this scheme of some €518,566 to County Cavan for 11 projects. This includes funding of €55,264 in April 2025 for interim works at Pollamore for a temporary flood plain storage area and delay flood peaks reaching the mouth of the culvert downstream at the Business Park. These works are now completed.
I also recently announced details of once-off funding of €70,000 to Cavan County Council to remove river conveyance blockages in County Cavan.
