The River Bride flood relief scheme in Blackpool was initiated in 2013 following a major flood that occurred in 2012 and is expected to provide protection from the River Bride for some 290 residential and commercial properties. The Blackpool area has an extensive history of flooding, with at least 15 flood events occurring since 1974, including recent flood events arising from storms such as Storm Babet. The proposed scheme design includes conveyance improvements, flood defence embankments, walls and pumping stations and has an estimated budget of €20.5 million. In 2018, the scheme design was submitted to the former Minister for public expenditure for statutory confirmation under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, as amended, and ministerial confirmation was granted in 2021. In June 2021, this decision was challenged by a community group that was granted leave to apply for a judicial review of the decision. The Minister agreed to consent to an order reverting the evaluation of the Blackpool flood relief scheme back for further public consultation. This resulted in further information being requested from the OPW in support of the request for consent under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945. The OPW provided a response to this request in October 2022. In November 2023, a further request was made to the OPW to provide supplementary environmental information that required some additional environmental surveys. In line with seasonal restrictions, these surveys were conducted throughout 2024. Additionally, the OPW has recently received and is reviewing a draft update to the environmental impact assessment report, EIAR, which was prepared by the OPW’s consultant. This report was updated to take account of relevant surveys, including field surveys, invasive species surveys, mammal surveys, bat surveys, fisheries surveys, otter surveys and ecological surveys. Supplementary information and an updated EIAR will be submitted to the Minister for public expenditure.

Sentiment score: 0.21

I understand the Deputy's frustration and that of the people he represents in his constituency. However, once the judicial review came in, that also delayed the process. We have to carry out the environmental assessment. It is very important we do so. If we do not and it is challenged again, the Deputy will be the very one standing up to challenge me on why the proper procedures were not carried out. I am doing everything in my power to bring this to a conclusion. It is with the Department at present. As soon as we get it out there, I will progress the scheme.

Sentiment score: -0.00

Any public consultation on the supplementary information to be provided by the Office of Public Works will be a matter for the Minister for public expenditure, infrastructure, public service reform and digitalisation. The Office of Public Works will continue to engage with that Department, as appropriate, to further progress the scheme. It is with the Department and as soon as it comes out - I do not want to be long-winded but I have to wait for that process to take place - I will revert to the Deputy. I will do my best to progress the scheme in the near future.

Sentiment score: 0.36