Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2020
105. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider introducing a scheme to facilitate the cleaning of rivers and water courses similar to the local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43742/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Commissioners of Public Works that the OPW is engaged in the delivery of the flood relief schemes that are contained in the flood Risk Management Plans developed under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme. In addition, the OPW is maintaining the Arterial Drainage Schemes and catchment drainage schemes designated under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995 and carries out a programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500 km of river channel and approximately 730 km of embankments.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All Local Authorities may carry out flood mitigation works, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the Office of Public Works (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Under this scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Full details of this scheme are available on www.opw.ie.
I am currently considering what options are available to me in regard to this issue and it is my intention to engage with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to central Government funding for Local Authorities for the maintenance of watercourses.
