Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

138. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a river at a location (details supplied) will be cleaned out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52806/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The river 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 this river. Also, OPW does not have responsibility for maintaining road infrastructure. This responsibility primarily rests with Local Authorities.

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Kerry County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The Council may also apply to the Office of Public Works for funding of flood mitigation works under this Office's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. Details of this scheme are on the OPW website, www.opw.ie