I welcome the opportunity to provide an update to the Deputy on this important matter. In 2018, the flood risk management plans identified that 150 flood relief schemes are required to manage the significant risk from flooding. Since then, the OPW has trebled, to the sum of 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning and construction. These are in the first tranche of the schemes and commencing work on the tranche 2 schemes is constrained by the availability of specialist engineering skills for designing flood relief schemes. Sixteen flood relief schemes were identified in County Donegal under the flood risk management plans announced in 2018. Twelve of these projects are included in the first phase of implementation, with interim measures being piloted by Killybegs. The Buncrana flood relief scheme has an estimated budget of €6.8 million and, when built, will protect 32 properties. Work on the design of a viable flood relief scheme is progressing and is due to be submitted for planning consent in quarter three of 2027 and completed in 2031. Nine properties at Elm Park that experienced significant flooding in 2012 and in 2017 are included in this scheme's overall benefitting area. The estimated cost of managing the flood risk for these nine properties in Elm Park is about €1 million. This is a viable option and work to progress the design and planning consent is continuing. Donegal County Council is leading the scheme delivery and has been in correspondence with the residents of Elm Park. I am aware of the flood risk to these Elm Park residents and that these homes are affected by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction. I understand that all but one of these homeowners have opted to avail of the defective block scheme, at a cost of €2.9 million. I recognise that the residents are concerned about the length of time before these flood scheme works would be completed and have asked my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne, with myself that consideration be given to relocation options. The Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, has held two meetings with me to explore a viable workable solution for the homeowners. Work on a possible option is progressing with the affected homeowners, the Department of housing, and with local government.

Sentiment score: 0.17

No one knows more than me about Elm Park. I visited it in 2018 after the big flood. I know the pressure those families are under. I have also been in contact with those families. Since taking office, the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and I met with the Minister, Deputy Browne. That was during the summer and, since then, we have moved to try to find a solution. However, the Deputy must understand it is not as simple as flicking a switch. We are working collectively and we want a resolution. I do not want people in Elm Park suffering and having to contact me on a daily basis. I want to reach out to them and offer the support they deserve. I assure the Deputy the whole of the Government is working together to find a resolution to help the people in Elm Park. I, more than anyone, want to do that.

Sentiment score: 0.04

The Deputy reminds me of a man at a council meeting who is getting all the issues in together. I do not blame him for doing so when he gets the opportunity. Every time I stand up in the Dáil, I have Deputies, like Deputy Ward, asking me questions. They look to the Government and the OPW to deliver. I have made changes to the minor works scheme to increase the threshold from €750,000 to €1 million. I have notified the local authorities. I put it to the Deputy that he has control to go to his local authority and put pressure on it to drive on schemes. It is not about this side of the House the whole time. We provide the funding but Opposition Deputies keep wanting to blame us. I am not accusing Deputy Ward of anything. I am saying to him that flooding is a huge issue. It is not something on which to score political points because it affects so many people up and down the country, including in Donegal. I am saying to the Deputy to go to his local authority. A number of schemes are set out in Donegal that need to be progressed. We have the money to fund them but I need his help to push the local authority to deliver them.

Sentiment score: 0.12

I thank the Deputy. I understand the River Bride overtops its banks upstream and downstream of Crookstown bridge. Flow paths through properties cause flooding to some 23 properties and on local and regional roads. The road drainage is unable to discharge to the river during flood events. The 2014 Lee catchment flood risk assessment and management programme studied the flood risk at Crookstown and did not identify a viable major scheme to manage that risk. It recommended localised flood mitigation measures be progressed through the Office of Public Works' minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme. This scheme does not extend to mitigating flooding to the road network. Cork County Council, with OPW funding for nine staff to support the delivery of its programme of flood relief schemes, is leading the Crookstown flood relief scheme. The minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short timeframe. The criteria for the scheme are under review, following the announcement I made on increasing the funding threshold that is to be made available under the scheme. The OPW expects to advise local authorities of the revised criteria shortly. Funding under the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme of €295,000 was allocated to Cork County Council in 2021 for minor embankment and improvement works, construction of flood defences, 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. While the county council has not drawn down the funding, it has engaged with consultants to design options for further works. While an option has been identified, the council is engaging with funding partners, including the Department of Transport, for these further works.

Sentiment score: 0.15

As I outlined, my Department has fully supported the local authority. I identified and read out the amount of money that was given. It is working with the Department of Transport in trying to deliver further for the local authorities. We have made changes to the minor works scheme. We will work with the local authorities to see where and when we can help. We have always been open in relation to Crookstown and the area. We understand quite clearly the level of pressure the Deputy is under but particularly the residents every time we have rain. It affects everybody. We need to work together and the Deputy has to reach out to the Department of Transport at this time because of where the problem is in relation to the road. There is talk of putting in a sump and that needs to be fast-tracked but where the Office of Public Works, OPW, can help, we will help as regards the minor works scheme.

Sentiment score: 0.14

We have given it all the resources it required in terms of staff not just for this area but all the areas. The Deputy is quite correct and I thank him for mentioning what we have done so far in the different areas he came to me about in respect of funding. We have made that available but in this particular one, it depends on the Department of Transport. There is no point in saying it does not. It is either that or it is the local authority's own funding. As I said, we have made changes to the minor works scheme and we will work closely with the local authorities as we have but they have to come back to us to seek funding. If we can offer that support, if it falls within the threshold, then, yes, we will support them. I would say to the Deputy that, ideally, he needs to reach out to the Department of Transport working with the local authority to try to drive on this scheme that bit further. It is going on quite a long time but OPW has been to the front and centre of making money available to it. If it comes in looking for further support, once it comes under the criteria, we will gladly support that.

Sentiment score: 0.25