Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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359. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider introducing two separate grant aid schemes for coastal protection and flood relief works, one in respect of public infrastructure and the second in respect of the protection of homes, businesses, private lands and so on; if he and his officials discussed this matter with officials from Kerry County Council as a matter of priority as there is conflicting information being given out that is causing great confusion; if he will put in place a clear directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9602/14]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the reference in the Deputy's question to a grant scheme refers to the funding of up to €20m which the Government has decided may be made available to local authorities to assist them in the cost of repair to damaged coastal defence infrastructure. This is part of the overall amount of up to €70m which the Government has decided to make available towards the cost of damage to all public infrastructure and amenities. The funding in respect of repair of damaged coastal defences will be made available through the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

Most of the damage caused by the New Year storms was to public infrastructure in coastal areas including piers, roads, car parks and coastal protection structures such as sea walls, embankments etc.. The Government decided that to respond effectively to the needs of the local communities most affected by the severe storms it would provide financial assistance to the relevant local authorities to facilitate them in immediately carrying out of a programme of prioritised repair and remediation works to assist the communities worst affected especially those in areas relying on the tourism industry. It is a matter for the local authorities to identify and address the priority areas and structures for which funding is to be sought. Any works undertaken by the local authorities on repairing coastal defence infrastructure will ensure that the protection afforded to homes, businesses and lands by those defence structures is restored to its pre-storms level.

Financial assistance is not available from the OPW to property owners in relation to individual property protection.

The OPW is satisfied that the position on the basis of financial assistance to be provided to local authorities in respect of storm damage was set out clearly in its letter of 10 January 2014 to the local authorities.