Flood Prevention Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020

Tuesday, 16 June 2020

Ceisteanna (157, 158)

Norma Foley

Ceist:

157. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if emergency funding will be provided for works at Carrahane, Ardfert, County Kerry. [11624/20]

Norma Foley

Ceist:

158. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if emergency funding will be provided for works to repair a breach of the sea wall at the Kerries, Tralee, County Kerry. [11625/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. I understand the works at Ardfert as described in the Deputy’s question relate to repairs to a private embankment. The Office of Public Works has no responsibility for this embankment and as such any repairs would fall within the remit of the local authority.

I am further advised that the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has overall responsibility for Government policy on coastal strategy.  Local Authorities lead on identifying works to protect the coast in their respective areas and are responsible for the repair and maintenance of any existing seawalls within their administrative area.

Local authorities may carry out flood mitigation and coastal protection works using its own resources or apply under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which makes funds available to local authorities to undertake minor works or studies to address localised coastal protection or flooding problems within their administrative areas.  The eligibility criteria of this scheme, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website www.gov.ie/opw

Minor Works funding has previously been approved for work near the location in question at Kerries, and it remains open to the Council to submit a further funding application for flood mitigation works under the Scheme for the location referred to in this question.  Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme's eligibility criteria and the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.