Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
263. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the specific funding streams available to local authorities to apply for; the amount that has been given, by county; the amount awarded under each scheme in each of the years from 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4061/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal 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, within their own capital works programme and using their own resources, or by applying for funding under the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding within their areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the 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. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the Scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.
The OPW guidelines for funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, together with a full list of funding approvals since 2009 is available on the OPW website at https://www.gov.ie/opw
