Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
273. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 251 of 29 November 2022, the action that is being taken to address flooding at a property (details supplied) located along the River Clodiagh, in the Borrisoleigh area, which has caused damage to private property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62244/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended. The location concerned does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the OPW.
Local flooding is, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. The OPW operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme and applications for funding from Local Authorities are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €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 and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie/
The responsibility for the condition of the channel and riverbank typically rests with the riparian owner who has an important role in ensuring that watercourses are managed and free flowing so that in extreme weather events the risk of flooding can be minimised. A guide to the rights and responsibilities of landowners is available online at www.flooding.ie
