Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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87. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will be made on an application from Galway County Council to the OPW for funding for a study of coastal erosion problems in Tawin Island, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44008/19]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I visited this area in July this year and met the residents.

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. Funding for coastal erosion risk management studies may also be applied for under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects which meet the eligibility criteria including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial. The OPW has published guidelines for coastal erosion risk management measures and funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, available on the OPW website.

I am advised that OPW has not received an application from the location referred to in the Deputy’s question.