Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take on board the points made by Deputy Smith and in my consideration of the review of the scheme, I will take those factors into account. I note the points he makes and I also note the points made by Deputy Durkan. In terms of the review of the scheme, I will take everything in the round. My officials are the professionals in the area but I am a practising politician like the Deputies and I always build into what is happening on the ground.

It might interest Deputy Smith to note in relation to applications from Cavan and Monaghan that since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme of €463,302 for ten projects in County Cavan and approximately €2.5 million for 27 projects in County Monaghan. Interestingly, there have been no applications under the scheme from the local authorities in Cavan or Monaghan since 2022. I do not have any information to hand in respect of Kildare.

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