Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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94. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the proposed flood relief works for Skerries and, in particular, for the Maltings residential area that floods each time there is very heavy rain coinciding with a high tide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45536/24]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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95. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the budget his Department has approved for any approved flood relief works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45537/24]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a tender process will be implemented for any proposed flood relief mitigation measures for Skerries and, in particular, the Maltings residential area at Holmpatrick, Skerries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45538/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 to 96, inclusive, together.

The Office of Public Works is working with Fingal County Council to progress the Skerries (Mill Stream) Flood Relief Scheme.

The Skerries (Mill Stream) project is currently undergoing a Scheme Viability Review (SVR). The objectives of an SVR are as follows:

• Review the CFRAM deliverables and build upon this existing information, including any additional information available.
• Undertake an assessment of both the costs and wider benefits of a flood relief scheme for the relevant communities, and understand any relevant constraints and opportunities.
• Provide recommendations for any additional work that may be required to reduce uncertainty or clarify key issues.
• Determine whether or not a future scheme is viable to progress to the full project stage.

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Fingal County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.

The Local Authority may also apply to the OPW for funding of flood mitigation works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

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. The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.

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, with the balance being funded by the Local Authority concerned. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, which comprise economic, social and environmental criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.

Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €2 million to Fingal County Council for some nine projects.