Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2022
135. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will increase funding to the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme given the identified level of need by local authorities for works in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35143/22]
View answerThe Minor Works Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the 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.
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. The original maximum amount was €500,000 and was increased to €750,000 following a review of the Scheme in June 2017.
This is a demand led scheme and the OPW has never had to refuse or defer an application due to annual budgetary constraints for this scheme. The OPW has made financial provision of €3m in 2022 for this scheme, which is reflective of annual expenditure under the scheme in previous years.
