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.