Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I assure him that I am very aware of the recent flood event that occurred in Listowel-Killocrim in November 2024 and the devastation that was caused to many properties. I understand that the level recorded in the River Feale was the highest ever recorded and as a result a significant number of properties were affected in both the Listowel and Killocrim areas in the west of Listowel. After the event, the officials from the OPW met with the residents and Kerry County Council to review what had happened and to come up with a plan to address what measures could be put in place in advance of the larger scheme proposed for Listowel, as part of the flood risk management plan for this area. As a first step, it was agreed that Kerry County Council would engage consultants to do a factual report on the event. This report is due to be available in the coming weeks. It will then be open to Kerry County Council to apply to the OPW for funding for temporary measures, pending the commencement of the Listowel scheme for these communities, should such measures be identified. My officials will engage with Kerry County Council and its consultants on this report. Once this report is made available, the OPW will continue to engage with Kerry County Council and its consultants to assist in determining what measures may be possible to implement and the next steps to deliver these measures.

Funding for some of these measures can be considered through the OPW’s minor flood mitigation and coastal protection works scheme. This minor works 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 coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.The scheme generally 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.