Flood Relief in Dublin
364. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the money his Department will give to Dublin City Council to provide essential flood defences as outlined in the Dublin coastal flooding protection study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10429/05]
Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen): The Dublin coastal protection study, which is being carried out by Dublin City Council and part funded by OPW, is a study, which is examining the causes and impacts of flooding from Portmarnock to Booterstown. A draft report has been received by OPW, in the last few weeks and is being considered.
OPW has met with officials from Dublin City Council recently, and the council has highlighted some of the recommendations contained in the draft report, which they propose to prioritise. OPW has agreed in principle to consider more detailed proposals, which the council will submit in due course. The flood defence proposals contained in the draft report are estimated to cost over €100 million. Requests for funding from the OPW will have to be carefully considered in the context of OPW’s annual budget for flood relief projects, the large number of flood alleviation projects currently being advanced by OPW and the urgency attaching to the various measures recommended in the report.