Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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128. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps that can be taken to alleviate flooding at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2986/20]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes and catchment drainage schemes designated under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. The OPW is responsible for the maintenance of the channel in question. The OPW will inspect the channel and if necessary arrange for weed and vegetation cutting to take place, taking into account available resources, access and environmental conditions.

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.