Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2015
287. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the work that will be carried out in an area (details supplied) in County Meath to prevent further flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34187/15]
View answerThe area concerned does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. The OPW therefore has no responsibility for the flooding in the area, nor any authority to carry out any works there.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Meath County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
The Office of Public Works operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This administrative Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie. It is not available for repair of damaged infrastructure or for maintenance of existing flood defence or coastal protection assets. It is open to the Council to submit a funding application under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
