Michael Healy-Rae
Question:97. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be provided for works on a river (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42821/19]
View answerThursday, 17 October 2019
Questions (97)
Written answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes and catchment drainage schemes designated under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. The OPW is responsible for the Feale CDS which extends as far as Shanow Bridge on the regional road R557. The OPW does not have responsibility beyond this point.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Kerry County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources or apply for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Works funded under the scheme are then carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.opw.ie.