Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
195. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the current plans with regard to flood defences in Leenane, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36465/21]
View answerLocal flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All Local Authorities may carry out flood mitigation works, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
Under this 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.gov.ie/opw.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that Galway County Council has been notified that funding of €198,000 has been approved for an application submitted under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme for the construction of flood defence walls in Leenaun Village, Co Galway.
