James O'Connor
Question:62. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the OPW allocation of costal and flood relief funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20483/21]
View answerWednesday, 21 April 2021
Questions (62)
Written answers
The Office of Public works has been provided with a capital allocation of €940 million under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 for Flood Relief Schemes. This will underpin the implementation of the existing programme of flood relief projects and, in addition, a further 119 projects identified under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.
Since 1995, a total of 48 flood relief schemes have been completed providing protection to over 10,000 properties and avoiding damages and losses of approximately €1.8bn. The investment in these schemes was over €440m.
Through the agreed programme of investment, OPW has been able to triple the number of major flood relief schemes to some 90 schemes at design and construction stage by the end of 2020. An allocation of €89.9 million has been provided within the 2021 Revised Estimate to deliver this essential service. With approximately 300 communities at risk from flooding, the continued investment will provide protection to thousands of homes and deliver extensive economic and societal benefits to our communities and businesses.
The OPW also works closely with Local Authorities to support local flood relief projects. Under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme funding of over €55m has been approved by the OPW to Local Authorities since 2009 for local flood relief projects in every county with completed projects protecting approximately 7,400 properties.