88. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the flood relief schemes in progress or in planning for Kilkenny and Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27771/25]

Sentiment score: 0.24

I have seen first hand the devastating impact that flooding can have on homes, businesses, people, families and communities. I understand the flooding problem cannot be eliminated but it can be managed and mitigated to reduce its likelihood, severity or impact. It is in that context that I ask for an update from the Minister of State on flooding projects that are in planning or in progress in Carlow and Kilkenny.

Sentiment score: -0.02

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I get that flood relief schemes are complex projects and there is a lot of detailed engineering analysis, public engagement, etc. I will focus on the Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch flood relief scheme specifically. In 2018, funding was announced for this project following significant funding in 2016. The Minister of State was in this role in a previous Government. In 2020 I was chairman of Kilkenny County Council. In March 2020 a €9 million contract for a flood relief scheme was signed that was going to sort out Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch. It was a joint initiative between Kilkenny and Carlow County Councils. As the Minister of State said, planning permission has not even been applied for yet. We are looking at quarter 3 of this year. Is there anything at all we can do to speed this up? Will the Minister of State come down to Graiguenamanagh and meet the people there? I mention the devastation that it caused nine years ago and we still do not have a long-term solution, notwithstanding all the works. I know €9 million has been approved but that was in 2018. Will additional funding be made available should the project go above that particular amount?

Sentiment score: 0.14

I thank the Minister of State and genuinely acknowledge and appreciate his support for new schemes. I know he is doing everything he can. We spoke privately about these on a number of occasions. Regarding tranche 2 flood relief schemes, and we spoke about Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch, there are other schemes in Kilkenny, such as Freshford, Piltown, Inistioge and Thomastown in particular. They are in the tranche 2 flood relief schemes. I think there are 50 schemes nationally. Given the fact it takes ten or 11 years to get these projects over the line and long-term solutions in place, will the Minister of State commit to progressing those particular schemes so the people of Thomastown, Inistioge, Piltown and Freshford will have the peace of mind and security of knowing their homes or businesses are not going to be flooded or destroyed as happened a number of years ago?

Sentiment score: 0.36