2025-12-11

2. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the situation of defective homes built on a flood plain at Elm Park, Buncrana; the predicted cost of installing flood defences to Elm Park; whether he will consider relocating the residents of Elm Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71122/25]

I have engaged with the Minister many times regarding the issue. Despite this, nothing has changed for the residents of Elm Park in Buncrana. I would be grateful if he would provide me with an update on the situation of the defective homes built on a flood plain in Elm Park. What is the predicted cost of installing flood defences and will he consider relocating the residents of Elm Park?

I welcome the opportunity to provide an update to the Deputy on this important matter. In 2018, the flood risk management plans identified that 150 flood relief schemes are required to manage the significant risk from flooding. Since then, the OPW has trebled, to the sum of 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning and construction. These are in the first tranche of the schemes and commencing work on the tranche 2 schemes is constrained by the availability of specialist engineering skills for designing flood relief schemes. Sixteen flood relief schemes were identified in County Donegal under the flood risk management plans announced in 2018. Twelve of these projects are included in the first phase of implementation, with interim measures being piloted by Killybegs. The Buncrana flood relief scheme has an estimated budget of €6.8 million and, when built, will protect 32 properties. Work on the design of a viable flood relief scheme is progressing and is due to be submitted for planning consent in quarter three of 2027 and completed in 2031. Nine properties at Elm Park that experienced significant flooding in 2012 and in 2017 are included in this scheme's overall benefitting area. The estimated cost of managing the flood risk for these nine properties in Elm Park is about €1 million. This is a viable option and work to progress the design and planning consent is continuing. Donegal County Council is leading the scheme delivery and has been in correspondence with the residents of Elm Park. I am aware of the flood risk to these Elm Park residents and that these homes are affected by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction. I understand that all but one of these homeowners have opted to avail of the defective block scheme, at a cost of €2.9 million. I recognise that the residents are concerned about the length of time before these flood scheme works would be completed and have asked my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne, with myself that consideration be given to relocation options. The Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, has held two meetings with me to explore a viable workable solution for the homeowners. Work on a possible option is progressing with the affected homeowners, the Department of housing, and with local government.

This week, Storm Bram brought another weather warning to Donegal. Storms are becoming more and more frequent and these houses are becoming more and more dangerous. External walls are being damaged by the Crana River at the risk of flooding for these homes. The residents cannot go on living like this. I have asked the Minister of State for a predicted cost for installing flood defences but it is very clear that the construction of these flood defences and giving temporary rental accommodation to these residents will also cost the State. Offering them a long-term proper solution is the only way out of this and it is the only way forward. Temporary flood measures are a complete waste of money and will only temporarily slow down a flow of water and allow evacuation of these properties properly. We have seen people nearly killed in this site. I know we have been looking at this and there have been many meetings but I just do not see why it is taking so long. Will the Minister of State ensure the final decision is made before Christmas to give these people some hope so that homeowners can finally have some peace, knowing that this distressing situation can be solved?

No one knows more than me about Elm Park. I visited it in 2018 after the big flood. I know the pressure those families are under. I have also been in contact with those families. Since taking office, the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and I met with the Minister, Deputy Browne. That was during the summer and, since then, we have moved to try to find a solution. However, the Deputy must understand it is not as simple as flicking a switch. We are working collectively and we want a resolution. I do not want people in Elm Park suffering and having to contact me on a daily basis. I want to reach out to them and offer the support they deserve. I assure the Deputy the whole of the Government is working together to find a resolution to help the people in Elm Park. I, more than anyone, want to do that.

There are many ongoing issues in Donegal, including Elm Park, that require the Minister of State's immediate attention. He needs to do far more regarding the flood relief schemes across the whole county. There is still no sign of a flood relief scheme plan for Killybegs, which came very close to being flooded again recently. Residents and businesses are still waiting anxiously, fearing what each storm may bring. Far more needs to be done to protect coastal communities from coastal erosion, especially given the increase in storms we have had over the past year. Houses in Inver face real risks of the coastal defences failing. Those defences must be progressed and fixed soon. The Minister of State has visited Donegal town courthouse. I ask that he ensure the works there are completed as soon as possible in order that the courthouse can reopen. Will he commit to visiting Donegal in the new year to address Elm Park and the other issues in the county requiring his attention?

The Deputy reminds me of a man at a council meeting who is getting all the issues in together. I do not blame him for doing so when he gets the opportunity. Every time I stand up in the Dáil, I have Deputies, like Deputy Ward, asking me questions. They look to the Government and the OPW to deliver. I have made changes to the minor works scheme to increase the threshold from €750,000 to €1 million. I have notified the local authorities. I put it to the Deputy that he has control to go to his local authority and put pressure on it to drive on schemes. It is not about this side of the House the whole time. We provide the funding but Opposition Deputies keep wanting to blame us. I am not accusing Deputy Ward of anything. I am saying to him that flooding is a huge issue. It is not something on which to score political points because it affects so many people up and down the country, including in Donegal. I am saying to the Deputy to go to his local authority. A number of schemes are set out in Donegal that need to be progressed. We have the money to fund them but I need his help to push the local authority to deliver them.