Louth flood protection works
Deputy Ó Murchú pressed for faster delivery of CFRAM flood projects after severe flooding in Louth. Minister of State Moran said interim solutions and a larger minor works scheme were in place and urged local authority cooperation.
I revisit the issue of catchment flood risk assessment management, CFRAM, and flooding, which I brought up earlier. I would be delighted if the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, could take the question. We have had significant flooding in County Louth. Many people will have seen the footage of Blackrock. We also had flooding at the quays in Dundalk and Drogheda and other areas, such as Fair Green. Dundalk is very much exposed. That is why big CFRAM projects are promised. I am very worried about the delivery time. It will be quarter 4 of 2027 for a planning permission application for south Blackrock and Dundalk. This is all much later than anticipated. I ask the Minister of State to make a visit. When we talk about the likes of Blackrock, in particular, we could be looking at interim solutions. I request the Minister of State does all he can.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for the question. I have seen the footage on social media and a lot of people sent pictures to me of what happened in that area last week. He is right that there are interim solutions we brought forward, along with the changes to the minor works scheme. I say to every Deputy in the House that I need local authorities to work with me and my Department, and not come to the House to blame the OPW, although I am not saying the Deputy is doing that. The OPW feeds local authorities with the funding. The minor works scheme is there. It has increased from €750,000 to €2 million. That allows the places the Deputy talked about to come in. We will support them, but the local authority has to lead first.
My Department has met with the local authority in Louth and spoken to officials, and another meeting will take place. I have to go to Portrane very shortly and maybe we will take in that visit on the way back.