Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 January 2014
68. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will request the Office of Public Works to carry out emergency flood prevention works to the bank of the Laune River, Lower Bridge Street, Killorglin, County Kerry, as a matter of priority, as homes, businesses and properties in this area were flooded/damaged during the recent storm, high tides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4707/14]
View answerThe River Laune is not a designated channel under an OPW arterial drainage scheme and therefore the OPW is not responsible for its maintenance. The channel is in a Drainage District and its maintenance is a matter for Kerry County Council. It is open to the Council to apply for funding to undertake any necessary works on the river under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme, where they have been damaged in the recent storm. Any application received will be assessed under the eligibility criteria, which include a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding. Any work for which funding is sought will be carried out by the Local Authority. It is also open to Kerry County Council to carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
