Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the funding schemes under the remit of his Department that are available to assist local authorities with minor drainage schemes to alleviate flooding problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5734/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030. This includes funding to local authorities for minor works to alleviate a localised flood risk in their areas through the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
Local Authorities are responsible for investigating and addressing localised flooding issues in their area.
The purpose of the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
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 from the OPW 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.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding of €64m across some 900 unique local flood relief projects to Local Authorities that protect some 7,900 properties through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
The OPW welcome applications for funding under this scheme and is happy to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
