Written answer
Flood Relief Schemes
Bellurgan’s scheme is complete; Ardee mitigation works are expected by end-2026, while Dundalk/Blackrock South and Drogheda/Baltray are progressing toward planning submissions in 2028. Carlingford culvert works have OPW funding, and Annagassan and Termonfeckin have potentially viable schemes, though Tranche 2 delivery is expected to continue beyond 2030.
31. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the implementation of flood relief schemes identified under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management programme in County Louth; the current status of each scheme; and the projected commencement and completion dates. [74753/26]
Comment on this
In 2019, the Bellurgan Flood Relief Scheme was completed and is protecting 35 properties from significant flood risk.
Through the agreed delivery model, and with Office of Public Works, (OPW), funding for 6.5 staff, Louth County Council is leading the delivery of five Flood Relief Schemes at Dundalk/Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford/ Greenore, Baltray and Ardee. The Government has committed €1.3bn funding to support the delivery of some 150 Flood Relief Schemes under the National Development Plan.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South Scheme is to protect 1,880 properties. Engineering and Environmental Consultants were appointed in 2020. It is hoped to have Steering Group level sign off for the Emerging Preferred Option at the end of 2026, with a further Public Participation Day on the Preferred Option currently programmed for Q2 2027; and a submission for planning consent programmed for 2028.
Funding of €339,480 for a viable option, identified by Louth County Council, for Ardee to protect some 30 properties, was approved by the OPW in July 2025. These works are being progressed by Louth County Council. A contractor has been appointed to carry out drainage and flood mitigation works in Ardee. The Council expect that these works will be completed by end of 2026.
The combined Drogheda and Baltray Scheme is to protect 425 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in September, 2021. The scope of the area for the scheme was recently extended and the consultant had to undertake further modelling work. Emerging Options will be presented to the public following completion of the Design Review Collaborative Workshop and ongoing scheme development activities. The preferred option is expected in Q2 2027, with Planning consent submission in Q1 2028.
Louth County Council and the OPW are reviewing requirements for a brief to procure Engineering and Environmental Consultants for the Carlingford and Greenore Scheme. In the interim Louth County Council is assessing areas where works could improve the conveyance characteristics of the Carlingford drainage system. Louth County Council has identified works that can be progressed which includes an upgrade to the Carlingford Watercourse Culvert and submitted a business case for funding of €924,636 (incl vat) to the OPW which was approved in March 2026 and these works are being progressed by Louth County Council.
Louth County Council is actively evaluating potential interim measures which, subject to environmental and planning considerations, may be advanced separately from the main schemes to provide earlier flood risk mitigation to affected communities.
The Scheme Viability Reviews (SVRs) for Annagassan and Termonfeckin have indicated that potentially viable Flood Relief Schemes have been identified. The OPW is piloting a new delivery model for flood relief schemes through four Tranche II schemes in counties Kilkenny and Donegal.
Under the National Programme for Flood Relief Schemes, work has yet to commence on the design of some 50 Tranche 2 projects. The Pilot will better inform the prioritisation of future Schemes nationally and the scope of services required to design and facilitate construction of Flood Relief Schemes. While it is anticipated that work to progress the Tranche 2 schemes will commence within the lifetime of the National Development Plan, the implementation of these Schemes will continue post 2030.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. I announced the details of the revised criteria for the Minor Works Scheme in May this year including an increase in the funding limits for each project from €750,000 to €2m and OPW's contribution increasing to 95% for funding amounts greater than €300,000.
Since 2009, funding of some €1.9 million has been approved for Louth County Council under this Scheme, for 27 projects. Projects approved to date are available to view through www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/.