Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

85. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the level of funding for minor drainage works will be increased in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56458/22]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In 2009 the OPW introduced the minor flood mitigation works. These enabled local authorities to carry out flood mitigation works to address localised flooding. As has been said, these schemes have been extremely beneficial. There is good return on public investment. They are turned around in a short time. It is a scheme that merits increased funding on the basis that it addresses local issues and also ensures a good return on public investment.

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the Office of Public Work's 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. The scheme was introduced by my office in 2009 and applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short timeframe. 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. The original maximum amount was €500,000 and was increased to €750,000 following a review of the scheme in June 2017.

The scheme is demand led and the funding has always been available to cover eligible applications submitted by the local authorities. Funding will continue to be available in 2023 on this basis. To date, nationally and since 2009, my office has approved 873 projects under this scheme and funding of €57.7 million. This is a very significant and important scheme for managing localised flooding problems and both I and my office promote and encourage local authorities to avail of the funding under the scheme to address such localised flooding issues.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It has been a very successful scheme with a relatively small investment that has brought great benefits to many communities right throughout the country. The Minister of State is encouraging local authorities to submit proposals to the OPW. My local authority in Cavan has a number of proposals with the OPW that I would like to see advanced as quickly as possible. Two are The Maples estate in Cavan town and The Meadows estate in Shercock. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks both those estates endured heavy flooding which caused flooding in some homes and limited pedestrian access into The Meadows estate. There are very reasonable proposals with the OPW on these two estates. I would be very glad if the Minister of State would speak to the officials and ensure that the funding is provided to Cavan County Council to ensure that they can carry out the necessary remedial works in early 2023.

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will take those two schemes in Cavan to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan and raise them with him directly. Any local authority should apply for funding where needed. There is a very low refusal rate. I think only about 10% of schemes are refused. Also, as we discussed, there is a low rate of drawdown on the projects. Sometimes projects are approved but the funding is not drawn down. The question was phrased in such a way as to ask if there will be sufficient money next for year. There is always sufficient money in the budget. The problem has always been spending the money that is in the budget. It is available for anyone who needs it. The budget is set at such a level that if there is a very bad year, where there were bad storms for instance, there is enough money to cover those flood-relief works. I think the emphasis has to be not on increasing the funding but on making sure that the Deputy's local authority does apply for the funding and has capacity to do it. If they need advice or help to apply for the funding, we can help with that.

I will take the two schemes in Cavan to the Minister of State.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for agreeing to bring those two schemes to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan. I would state very clearly here that Cavan local authority has put forward very realistic proposals on those two particular estates and other projects too. I hope that it would be possible to get clearance from the Department early in 2023 so that the council can set about drawing down that funding and bringing those necessary improvement works to those two particular estates. Other projects have also been submitted by the council which it is confident it could easily carry out should the funding become available.

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I commit that I will bring those two projects in Cavan to the Minister of State and ask him to look into them and contact the Deputy's office directly to liaise with him to make sure the schemes are met. I understand that flooding is devastating for anyone who has a home that is affected by it. It causes great distress to families and also great financial distress.

Sometimes you cannot wait for a major flood-relief scheme to be carried out and need remedial works that provide relief in the short term, so I will do everything I can to help the Deputy with that.