Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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65. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is aware of several incidences of flooding since 2014 which have occurred along the Murvagh river basin in County Donegal, which have left roads impassable and homes and businesses badly damaged; the flood prevention measures that have been undertaken to alleviate flooding along the river; if he will provide additional assistance to the relevant authorities to improve flood mitigation measures and defences in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2609/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the flooding that has occurred in this location as are the OPW engineering staff who cover this area. However, it is a matter for Donegal County Council in the first instance to identify and address flooding issues in the county. It is open to the Council to undertake any local flood mitigation works using their own resources or to submit an application for funding if necessary under the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the scheme's eligibility criteria which includes a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding.

I understand that a meeting is being scheduled between Donegal County Council and the Office of Public Works West Region to discuss a possible minor works application for the flooding in this area.

There is a former Land Commission channel running through part of this area, the Bridgetown River. The OPW does not have responsibility for former Land Commission embankments or channels.