Kevin “Boxer” Moran T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), is pleased to announce receipt of confirmation from Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers T.D. that allows works to start on the River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Moran, T.D. said

"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 River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme has been greatly informed by the local community and includes conveyance improvement, flood defence embankments and walls, and pumping stations.

“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 that:

“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”.

In addition to this investment in Blackpool, Minister Moran highlighted:

“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.”

The details of the Ministerial confirmation order is available on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform at

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/publications/notice-under-the-arterial-drainage-act-1945-as-amended-river-bride-blackpool-drainage-scheme/

Notes: Breakdown of Funding of FRSs in Co. Cork

Major Flood Relief Schemes Underway – Tranche 1 (10)

Flood Relief Schemes Completed (9):

Confirmation for River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme