Written answers

Thursday, 12 May 2022

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Flood Risk Management

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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187. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on discussions of the options identified in a feasibility study (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23981/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Local flooding and coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.

Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection 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.opw.ie.

The Office of Public Works has provided €203,485 funding for a feasibility study, which was carried out by Mayo County Council. The feasibility study report was completed in September of last year. That report estimated the cost of the works for the South Mayo Flood Relief Scheme at €6.4m – significantly outside the criterion for Minor Flood Mitigation Works (which currently stands at €750,000).

The report indicated that the majority of the benefits from the proposed scheme would be to roads and access. Mayo County Council were advised in February this year to develop a joint proposal for the scheme with the Department of Transport and to subsequently meet with OPW to review the joint proposal.

A meeting with OPW has recently been proposed by Mayo County Council to progress this issue and this request is currently being considered by OPW.

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