Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2018
189. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a matter (details supplied) will be addressed regarding the draining of a river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30138/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes and catchment drainage schemes designated under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. The channel referred to by the Deputy does not form part of an Arterial Drainage Scheme. Therefore, the OPW has no responsibilities for the maintenance of the channel.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. For areas not covered by the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Programme, the OPW operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. It is open to all Local Authorities to submit a funding application under the Scheme. This administrative Scheme’s eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie.
Any application received is considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
