Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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64. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his proposals to carry out maintenance and drainage work on the Graddum river that flows from Graddum lake in Crosserlough parish, and which joins with the River Erne at Drumkilly in County Cavan; if he is aware of the concern of many residents in the general area whose properties are flooded, given that this flooding has become more severe over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3425/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The location referred to by the Deputy does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. The OPW therefore has no responsibility for the maintenance of the channel, nor any authority to carry out any works there.

Investigation of flooding, in the first instance, is a matter for each local authority to investigate and address. Cavan County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The Council may also apply to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for funding of flood mitigation works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor works to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. 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. Details are published on the OPW website .