Blackpool flood relief scheme ‘held up’ by judicial review

More than 12 years on from the birth of a flood relief scheme in Blackpool, local businesses and residents are still vulnerable to a flood, which is prohibiting further development in the area, a Cork TD has said.

Earlier this year, public expenditure minister Jack Chambers confirmed that the OPW had received and was reviewing a draft update to the environmental impact assessment for the Blackpool flood relief scheme, ordered after a legal challenge more than four years ago.

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 and has an estimated budget of €20.5m.

The Blackpool area has an extensive history of flooding, with at least 15 flood events occurring since 1974.

Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday, Cork North Central Fine Gael TD Colm Burke thanked minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran for all the work done on flood relief programmes, but said: “The problem I have with them is the time it takes from start to finish.

“One, the Glanmire flood relief project, is being done in my constituency at the moment. It is nearing completion and was very well managed by the OPW.

“I am concerned about the one in Blackpool, which started in 2013 and, 12 years later, the most recent part has been signed off by the OPW but not by the department.

“We have been waiting for more than 12 years. It is really important for that side of Cork city because very little development can take place until it is completed.”

Mr Moran told him in response: “A judicial review held up that whole scheme. We got consent and were ready to go, and then came the judicial review. Once it comes through the planning process, we will be on the ground.

“I am working extremely hard to try to do this.”

He told Mr Burke that he could “play a part by going to talk to the people who bring these objections to see if we have done everything required so that, when it comes out, we are not faced with another objection and it is delayed again”.

Mr Moran added: “It is unfair to say the OPW and my department have not worked tirelessly to try to deliver this scheme. I know the pressure the deputy is facing over the length of time it has taken.

“Once there is a judicial review, it holds up the entire planning process. Let us see what happens in the next few weeks and then we can get working.”