Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended.

The location concerned is in proximity to the Maine Arterial Drainage Scheme. Officials from the OPW South West Region, Drainage Maintenance Office, met with the landowner concerned and on foot of that meeting they are investigating if the works as described by the landowner fall under the remit of the OPW.

Local Authorities are responsible for investigating and addressing localised flooding issues in their area. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.

Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications by local authorities for localised flood mitigation measures 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 .