River Bride (Blackpool) Certified Drainage Scheme – Update

On March 11th 2021, The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Michael McGrath T.D., announced his consent to proceed with the Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme in Cork City.

The Minister, in pursuance of the powers given to him by Section 7 of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 and 1995 (as amended), and of all other powers enabling him in that behalf, confirmed the said scheme on 12th March 2021, subject to conditions as set out and agreed to by the Commissioners for Public Works in Ireland, who are the sponsoring agency for the scheme, which will be implemented by them and Cork City Council.

On June 23rd 2021, The Office of Public Works (OPW) was served notice of a Court Order, granting leave to a community group to apply by way of application for a Judicial Review of the decision of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to approve the Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme.  A stay was also granted on works being carried out pursuant to the Decision, pending the resolution of these proceedings.

Further to this, OPW submitted an application to the Court to lift the stay in part for certain investigations for the scheme, which has been agreed by both parties, to include Site Investigation Geotechnical Trial Pits and elements of Advanced Archaeology which have been included and assessed in the EIAR / NIS. These investigations, which will not cause any irreparable harm to the environment, will take place shortly.

The Office of Public Works awaits the ruling on the Judicial Review of the decision of the Minister of Public and Expenditure Reform to approve the scheme.