Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022
256. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding towards flood alleviation measures that has been allocated to each local authority area in each of the years 2010 to 2021; the proposed allocation for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12257/22]
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 on average profiles annual approvals in the order of €4m, but the actual approvals are dependent on demand for the scheme. The yearly approval of funding to all Local Authorities under the Minor Works Scheme from 2010 to 2021 is as follows;
|
Year |
Approval |
|
2010 |
€16m |
|
2011 |
€4.623m |
|
2012 |
€4.446m |
|
2013 |
€1.509m |
|
2014 |
€1.266m |
|
2015 |
€2.672m |
|
2016 |
€4.374m |
|
2017 |
€3.060m |
|
2018 |
€5.702m |
|
2019 |
€4.751m |
|
2020 |
€3.999m |
|
2021 |
€2.244m |
|
2022* |
€0.277m |
* until end of Feb 2022
Further information on the breakdown of these annual approved allocations is available at www.opw.ie.
