Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
326. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to clear blockages from the Gweestin river, County Kerry, to prevent homes from being flooded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16787/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gweestin River does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. The OPW therefore has no responsibility for the maintenance of the channel.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Kerry County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
The Office of Public Works operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This administrative Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial are published on the OPW website at http://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/. It is open to Kerry County Council to submit a funding application under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the overall availability of resources for flood risk management and the scheme's eligibility criteria available on the OPW website.
