Emergency Works Scheme Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Questions (239, 240, 241, 242)

Tom Fleming

Question:

239. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will make emergency funding available for coastal protection works in the vicinity of Callinafercy Pier, Milltown, County Kerry, as the recent storms and high tides did an alarming amount of damage in this area; if he will come to the assistance of this community and take into consideration that this is now a high-risk area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6396/14]

Tom Fleming

Question:

240. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will make emergency funding available for coastal protection works at Rossbeigh, Glenbeigh, County Kerry, as the recent storms and high tides did an alarming amount of damage in this area; if he will come to the assistance of this community and take into consideration that the public road in the vicinity of a person's (details supplied) house and others is now a high-risk area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6397/14]

Tom Fleming

Question:

241. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will make emergency funding available for coastal protection works adjacent to the road leading to Cromane Point, Killorglin, County Kerry, as the recent storm and high tide did an alarming amount of damage to this road and shoreline; if he will come to the assistance of this fishing community and take into consideration that the protection of this road is critical to the future of the fishing industry in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6420/14]

Tom Fleming

Question:

242. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will make emergency funding available for coastal protection works at Cromane, Killorglin, County Kerry, as the recent storms and high tides did an alarming amount of damage in this area to homes, public and private property, beach, shoreline, and so on; if he will come to the assistance of this community and take into consideration that the Cromane area is now a high-risk area in respect of tidal flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6421/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 242, inclusive, together.

The Office of Public Works has commenced repair works on breaches of embankments in the vicinity of Callinafercy Pier, Milltown, Co. Kerry following the tidal storm surge of 3 January as these flood defences are within the Maine Catchment Drainage Scheme, for which OPW has a statutory maintenance responsibility. It is a matter for Kerry County Council in the first instance to investigate and address coastal protection issues at the other locations referred to by the Deputy, including remedial works required on foot of damage from the recent storms.

The OPW wrote on 10 January, 2014 to City and County Managers in coastal counties indicating it will accept applications under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme for funding to assist Local Authorities with the cost of repairs to build flood defences and coastal protection structures which have been damaged by the recent storms. This is a once-off measure to reinstate built coastal defences to their pre storm condition. The scheme does not cover repairs to other infrastructure such as roads. The specific application form for this is entitled 'Coastal Storm Flooding Damage Questionnaire 2014' and is available on the OPW website.

The OPW allocated funding of €100,000 to Kerry County Council under the Minor Works Scheme in 2012 for embankment strengthening works at Lower Cromane. This funding was drawn down by the Council in late 2012. It is also open to Local Authorities to carry out flood mitigation and coast protection works using their own resources.