Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014

Tuesday, 25 February 2014

Questions (360)

Tom Fleming

Question:

360. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the fact that local authorities had prepared and agreed their budgets prior to the storm damage and the restrictions that have been put in place in respect of their borrowings, if he will review the requirement to put up 10% matching funding as this will put a major strain on council resources and will prevent a large number of important projects from proceeding; if he will now accept that this is a national crisis and provide 100% grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9612/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

As Government has approved an allocation of funding for the repair of public flood defence infrastructure damaged in recent storm events, the OPW will grant 100% of such costs to Local Authorities under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

As stated in the letter OPW sent on 10th January, 2014 to City and County Managers, this is a once-off measure to reinstate built coastal defences to their pre-storm condition.