Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
58. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide the up-to-date position on advancing flood defences at a location (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51207/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe River Bride overtops its banks both upstream and downstream of Crookstown Bridge. During flood events, flow paths through properties result in flooding to some 23 properties, while local and regional roads are also affected. The road drainage is unable to discharge to the river during a flood event.
The 2014 Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme studied the flood risk at Crookstown and did not identify a viable major scheme to manage the flood risk. It recommended localised flood mitigation measures are progressed through the Office of Public Works (OPW), Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme does not extend to mitigating flooding to the road network.
Since 2009, under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, the OPW has approved some €7.4 million funding to Cork County for some 57 projects. Cork County Council, with OPW funding for nine staff to support the delivery of their programme of flood relief schemes, is leading the Crookstown Flood Relief Scheme.
Funding of €295,027 was approved by the OPW in 2021 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection for minor embankment and improvement works, construction of a flood defence, a storm water pumping station, new drainage pipes and associated works at Crookstown. In its approval, the OPW highlighted these works are a significant interim measure to mitigate flood damage in advance of further works.
Although this funding has not yet been drawn down, Cork County Council has engaged with its consultants to design options for further works. While an option has been identified, the Council continues to engage with relevant funding partners, including the Department of Transport, and will continue to consider additional funding sources for these further works.
The funding approved by the OPW remains available to Cork County Council, and it remains open to the Council to make a further application to the OPW under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
On 25th May 2026, I announced revised criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. These revisions include an increase in the upper threshold in funding for projects from €750,000 to €2m and an increase in the OPW contribution from 90% to 95% for approved funding above €300,000. Further revisions include the relaxing of some economic criteria which lowers the required threshold for viable solutions.
On the same date, I also announced details of once-off funding of €200,000 to Cork County Council to remove river conveyance blockages in County Cork.
