Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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238. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if assistance can be provided by the OPW to the relevant local authority in order that maintenance and cleaning work will be carried out on a stretch of river (details supplied) in view of increasing incidents of major flooding on an annual basis and the resultant threat to animal welfare and road safety due to serious flooding on the local road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5731/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All Local Authorities may carry out flood mitigation works, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

Under this scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.gov.ie/opw.