Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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151. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of applications for funding and the amounts approved and paid, respectively in respect of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5446/20]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources or apply under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which makes funds available to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding problems within their administrative areas. The eligibility criteria of this scheme, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie. It is open to the Council to submit a funding application for flood mitigation works under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme's eligibility criteria and the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.

In 2017, funding of €55,373 was approved under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to Laois County Council for a project on the River Nore - New Bridge to Knap Bridge. In 2018, additional funding of €27,000 was approved for the same project. To date €27,297 has been drawn down for this project.

In 2018, an application was submitted by Kilkenny County Council for a project at Parksgrove, Ballyragget Co Kilkenny. Further information has been requested to complete assessment of this application.

I am advised that the OPW has received no applications for funding in the years 2017 to date for works in this area from the remaining counties mentioned in the Deputy’s question.