James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

225. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of development works at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36492/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There have been 4 applications for funding under The Office of Public Works (OPW), Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme submitted by Wexford County Council (WCC), for the location concerned.

In April 2021, funding of €36,000 was approved to enable WCC undertake a detailed design study for this location, with further funding of €367,740 approved in November 2021 for emergency works which entailed rock armour cliff toe protection to approximately 70 to 85m of cliff frontage immediately adjacent to the access road to 14 properties that were at immediate risk of erosion.

In June 2024, funding of €668,921 was approved whereby WCC proposed to implement 155m of rock armour coastal protection fronting several houses at the location concerned.

An application for funding under this scheme which proposes to protect a further 145m of coastline is currently under review by the OPW and WCC will be notified of the outcome of this review shortly. Progression of the works is a matter for WCC.

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 this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.

Applications for funding from local authorities are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €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/.