Works to Start on €20.5m Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme

Kevin "Boxer" Moran T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), has announced that Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers T.D. has given confirmation allowing works to start on the River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme.

Kevin "Boxer" Moran, T.D., Minister of State for the OPW:

"The effects of flooding are devastating and can be long-lasting for communities and Blackpool is no exception, having suffered serious flooding in the past, in particular in 2012."

The scheme has been greatly informed by the local community and includes conveyance improvement, flood defence embankments and walls, and pumping stations.

Minister Moran said:

"I am delighted that this confirmation will enable my Office to directly progress this major scheme of works in Blackpool. Respecting the statutory process my Office is now starting to implement its plans to facilitate commencement of construction as early as possible. The works will take some 27 months to complete and will afford protection to some 293 properties, 206 residential and 87 non-residential properties, from the 1 in 100-year flood event. I acknowledge and appreciate the strong local support by a large proportion of the business community and local residents in support of the scheme following submissions received during the last public consultation."

Minister Moran went on to say:

"River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme is part of the Government's strategy under Project Ireland 2040 to make Ireland a better country for all and to build a more resilient and sustainable future. The scheme, which has an approved project budget of €20.5m, has been funded through the Government's 2030 National Development Plan with €1.3 billion allocated for flood relief measures, including from the impacts of climate change through future-proofed, adaptable flood relief schemes."

Minister Moran also highlighted the wider picture for the county:

"The OPW is committed to the delivery of flood relief schemes across Co. Cork and that the OPW has committed funding of some €375 million for a further 9 major flood relief schemes (tranche 1) that are currently underway across the county, and has invested €7.4 million through the OPW's Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for some 58 projects in the county."

Details of the ministerial confirmation order are available on the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform website.