Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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40. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the River Erne would be eligible for funding under the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29911/16]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Local flooding issues are, in the first instance, a matter for each local authority to investigate and address. They may carry out flood alleviation works from their own resources, or apply to the OPW for funding 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. The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, which comprise economic, social and environmental criteria including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management. Details are published on the OPW website www.opw.ie.