Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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163. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a matter will be addressed regarding coastal erosion works at a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51559/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by my Department that it is a matter for Local Authorities, in the first instance, to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.

In this regard, the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies, costing less than €0.75 million each, to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.

I would point out that the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme is not a grant scheme for individual property or home owners and all proposals for works and funding must come from the local authority. The applications must also demonstrate that specific economic, social and environmental criteria, including a cost benefit ratio, are met.

In mid-2016, the OPW received an application from Limerick City and County Council for funding for this area under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The OPW requested further information from the Council, who subsequently submitted a revised application earlier this year.

The OPW has since requested certain confirmations in respect of planning consents and project implementation details, and will complete the assessment of the application on receipt of same.