Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
901. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will enforce the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 to protect a property (details supplied) in County Kerry which is at risk of being flooded again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25162/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe river channel referred to by the Deputy 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 this 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.
