Simon Harris, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works today outlined the current position on the flood relief scheme for Bandon.
Minister Harris stated “I am very much aware of the devastation that Storm Desmond has brought to the country over the weekend. I would like to assure the community of Bandon that my Office, the Office of Public Works, is progressing the Bandon project as a matter of urgency. The current position is that tender documentation has been issued to a shortlist of contractors to undertake the civil works contract. The tenders are due back in early January, after which the assessment process will take place. The assessment process, tender report, approval process and the necessary cooling off period will be progressed as quickly as possible within the process and the works are due to start in 2016.”
The Scheme will be constructed over the 2016-2018 period. The main elements of the proposed works include new walls and embankments, excavating the channel, replacement of the pedestrian bridge, underpinning the Bandon Bridge, new fish passages and associated drainage works, including pumping stations.
Minister Harris outlined how the Scheme “will bring flood protection to approximately 390 properties (177 residential) currently at risk from what is known as a 100 year flood event, which is the standard level of protection provided. It will also be submitted for Confirmation to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as is required and both of these processes are going to run in parallel to allow the works to start as soon as possible”.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
The Scheme will be constructed over the 2016-2018 period. The main elements of the proposed works are:
New walls and embankments
Excavating the channel by approximately 1.6m for a distance of 3.5kms
Replacement of the pedestrian bridge
Underpinning Bandon Bridge
Construction of new fish passages
Associated drainage works including new pump stations.
The scheme has a project budget of approximately €25m which includes the works costs, professional fees and other allowances for compensation and future maintenance.