Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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100. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding works to prevent storm damage in an area (details supplied) in County Kerry; if the funding will be provided to do these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24071/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government Decision of 11 February, 2014 in relation to repair of public infrastructure damaged in the Winter 2013/2014 storms allocated funding of up to €1,226,920 to Kerry County Council (KCC) for repair of coastal protection and flood defences based on a submission made by the Council to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. KCC's submission included for both repair and strengthening works of a coastal embankment at Cromane Lower – Glosha was not mentioned specifically. The Council was advised by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that strengthening works were outside of the scope of the Government Decision and that only the repair element of projects were covered under the allocation. The OPW approved KCC's programme of repair works, which included €30,000 for Cromane Lower. Of the total approved allocation of €1,226,920, KCC has drawn down €1,206,275 to date including the funding approved for Cromane Lower.

Local coastal protection 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. KCC may carry out flood mitigation and coastal protection works using its own resources.

The Office of Public Works operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This administrative Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie. It is not available for repair of damaged infrastructure or for maintenance of existing flood defence or coastal protection assets. It is open to the Council to submit a funding application under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.

The OPW has not to date received an application from KCC for funding in relation to works in the area referred to by the Deputy.