Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Local flooding issues are a matter for each local authority to investigate and address in the first instance.

Under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, funding may be made available by the Office of Public Works to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.

It is a matter for individual local authorities to consider and submit applications for funding under the scheme including any proposals for the provision of flood defence doors.

The local authority must be the promoter and proposer of the project and will be fully responsible for the implementation of the measures and ensuring that all relevant and necessary statutory requirements are met.

By way of example, the OPW approved funding to local authorities for proposals for the following projects under this scheme:

• Cork County Council for the installation of 8 flood barriers for premises in Durrus. The OPW approved funding of €15,366 in 2023.
• Wexford County Council for the installation of flood gates to protect 51 properties (commercial and residential) in Bridgetown. The OPW approved funding of €157,770 in 2022.
• Galway County Council for the installation of flood barriers to protect 25 properties (commercial and residential) in Kinvara. The OPW approved funding of €42,462 in 2021.