Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Finance when he will allocate funds for flood prevention measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13804/10]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Finance if funding for flood prevention will now be allocated arising from the recent flooding in Bandon, County Cork; the amount thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13805/10]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Finance if funding for flood prevention will now be allocated arising from the recent flooding in Clonakilty, County Cork; the amount thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13806/10]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Finance if funding for flood prevention will now be allocated arising from the recent flooding in Skibbereen, County Cork; the amount thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13807/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 to 175, inclusive, together.

The Government has allocated approximately €68.3M towards Flood Risk Management in 2010. This includes €50M for Capital Flood Risk activities and approximately €18.3M for ongoing Drainage Maintenance and Hydrometric activities.

Under the 2010 Capital allocation, OPW has made an initial sum of €6M available for the Minor Flood and Coastal Erosion Works Programme initiated in 2009. Based on assessments completed by OPW of applications received from Local Authorities to date, €5.43m has been allocated to 12 Local Authorities for measures to address localised flooding problems in 52 inland areas. In addition, allocations totalling €1.27m are being made to 6 Local Authorities for minor coastal flooding and erosion measures, at 8 locations around the country Following that initial allocation, OPW will continue to liaise with a number of Local Authorities with regard to applications received that require further information.

OPW has committed to undertaking a full Feasibility Study of the flooding problem in Bandon Co Cork. In this regard, applications for a pre-qualification assessment are about to be invited from Consulting Engineers, and, following the tender process, OPW expect to be in a position to make an appointment in July 2010.

Cork County Council have submitted applications for funding for works in both Clonakilty and Skibbereen under the 2010 Minor Flood Works Programme. In this regard, OPW has agreed to fund both a study of the Ilen River at Skibbereen which will inform future works, and works to improve channel capacity at Clonakilty aimed at alleviating flood risk.