Flood Relief Schemes Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Ceisteanna (195)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

195. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the €70 million fund to assist persons affected by the severe weather from 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014 is exclusively for local authorities; if he has examined the problem of incidences of spot flooding whereby there are some incidences of flooding affecting a small number of homes in a particular area and if it has been determined the way persons living in such areas can be assisted; and if his Department has specified in any regulations or otherwise to local authorities about the manner in which those affected by flooding on a smaller scale may be assisted. [12025/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Government decided on 11 February 2014 to make available a total sum of up to €69.5m towards the repair and reinstatement of public infrastructure that was damaged during the severe weather in the period 13 December 2013 to 6 January, 2014 based on estimates provided by local authorities to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. These monies will be made available to local authorities via the Votes of the relevant Government Departments. The Office of Public Works will be responsible for the sum of up to €19.6m provided in the overall allocation of €69.5m in respect of repair of existing coastal protection and flood defences.

It is a matter for the local authorities in the first instance to investigate and address flooding issues locally. Under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which was introduced in 2009, local authorities can apply for funding to enable them to undertake small-scale mitigation measures to address localised flood problems. Application forms and related guidelines are available on OPW's website www.opw.ie under Flood Risk Management.