Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has a statutory remit for the maintenance of the Arterial Drainage Schemes carried out under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945. Assaroe Lake between Ballyshannon and Belleek does not form part of an Arterial Drainage Scheme and is an artificial lake for hydro schemes controlled by the ESB.

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and addressing localised flooding issues in their area. Where necessary, local authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, 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 by local authorities for localised flood mitigation measures 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.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/.