Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be allocated to Cork North Central to undertake minor flood mitigation works to address localised flooding in certain areas and in light of the extreme flooding experienced in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46782/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and/or coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.

Under the 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 the OPW website.

Since 2009 over €5.5m approved funding has been allocated to County Cork under this scheme.

There are currently no applications under consideration with the OPW for Cork North Central however it is open to Cork City Council to make an application under the above mentioned scheme at any stage.

A review of the Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which I have requested, has been underway in the OPW. This review is examining, amongst other things, the increase to the cost threshold which should apply in order to ensure that effective supports are being provided to Local Authorities. I am aware that the review is nearing completion and I look forward to its finalisation.