Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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93. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the cleaning that is required will be carried out on the Ahcroneane river in County Limerick given the constant problem with flooding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22784/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Local flooding issues such as the one referred to in the Deputy's question are a matter for the Local Authority to investigate and address in the first instance. Limerick County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009 to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding within their administrative areas.

It is open to the Council to submit a funding application under the Scheme for flood protection works. It should be noted that the maintenance of river channels is not eligible under the Minor Works programme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, which include a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.

No application for a project in relation to the Ahacronane River has been submitted to the OPW to date by the Council.