Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
37. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if funding will be allocated to initiate minor flood mitigation works to address localised flooding in certain areas in light of the extreme flooding experienced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46910/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has invested €63m across 875 unique local flood relief projects that protect some 7,800 properties, through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and/or coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
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 and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on the OPW website.
The OPW welcome applications under this scheme and are happy to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
A review of the Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which I have requested, has been underway in the OPW. This review is examining, amongst other things, the increase to the cost threshold which should apply in order to ensure that effective supports are being provided to Local Authorities. I am aware that the review is nearing completion and I look forward to its finalisation.
