Flood Relief

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2010

Tuesday, 16 November 2010

Questions (119)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

155 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if there is a new report about to be published concerning the next phase of remedial works as a result of the severe flooding in November 2009; the funding that has been made available to Ballinasloe for current projects; the next phase of proposals for Ballinasloe and its hinterland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42933/10]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

Flood Alleviation Ballinasloe, a local community group, commissioned a flood study of Ballinasloe which was recently submitted to the Office of Public Works and Galway County Council for consideration in advance of its publication. The report is currently being considered by the OPW.

To date in 2010, Galway County Council has been allocated a total of €994,700 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme for measures in Ballinasloe town. In addition, funding totalling €136,800 was allocated to the Council under the scheme for ten projects in the Ballinasloe hinterland. The initiation and progression of projects being funded under the scheme is a matter for the Council.

It is open to the Council to submit further applications for the Ballinasloe area under the scheme during the remainder of the year. If an application is submitted by the Council that meets the relevant eligibility criteria, it will be assessed having regard to the total funding available for flood risk management.