I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Any local community group or voluntary organisation which has proposals to make in relation to flood relief measures should, in the first instance, contact their relevant local authority and provide the authority with whatever reports may be applicable in support of their case. It is a matter then for the local authority to assess the information provided by the local voluntary group and to determine whether there is a basis for viable measures to address the flooding problem. The local authority may proceed to carry out works using its own resources or, if necessary, may apply for funding to carry out the works under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) 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 at http://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/.
Under the scheme, only applications submitted by local authorities may be considered and funding, if approved, is provided to local authorities who must carry out, supervise and certify the works. It is not open to local voluntary groups to submit applications under the scheme and no funding is provided to such groups. Any application received from a local authority will be considered in accordance with the overall availability of resources for flood risk management and the scheme's eligibility criteria.
