Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
439. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of money sanctioned by the Office of Public Works for coastal erosion works at Leenane, County Galway; the progress made with this project to date; the reason work has not yet commenced on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42232/22]
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, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the 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. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a benefit cost ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.gov.ie/opw.
Since 2018 under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, funding of €441,000 has been approved to Galway County Council for studies and works at Leenaun Village. The progression of all works and associated duties, is the responsibility of the Council.
Galway County Council has informed the OPW that there was a delay to the commencement of works in this area due to a delay in obtaining a Foreshore Licence.
