Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
549. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW plans to make resources available to Galway County Council to develop a plan to deal with the coastal erosion at a location (details supplied) in view of the urgent need for coastal erosion works there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18884/21]
View answerIt is a matter for Local Authorities, in the first instance, to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
In this regard, the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies, costing less than €0.75 million each, to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. Funding for coastal erosion risk management studies may also be applied for under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects which meet the eligibility criteria including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial. The OPW has published guidelines for coastal erosion risk management measures and funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, available on the OPW website.
An application submitted under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme by Galway County Council for a project at Tawin Island, Co. Galway is under consideration. Further information is required from the Council to complete the assessment, I am advised that the OPW’s engineering staff are available to support the Council and have offered assistance with this application if required.
