Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2024
102. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on a river flooding risk (details supplied); if he will outline what solutions the local authority has proposed; if his Department will provide funding for the solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19823/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has a statutory remit for the maintenance of the Maine Arterial Drainage Scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. The area in question does not form part of this Arterial Drainage Scheme. Furthermore, the OPW has no responsibility for Uisce Éireann infrastructure or approval of its plans for its infrastructure.
Local flooding, is in the first instance, a matter for each local authority to investigate and address. The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. Applications for funding from local authorities are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €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.floodinfo.ie/
The OPW welcome applications for funding under this scheme and is happy to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
