Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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314. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will take in charge an embankment that protects a property from flooding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2298/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended.

The area concerned does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which falls under the remit of the OPW under this act. The OPW therefore has no responsibility for the maintenance of the channel, nor the authority to carry out any works there.

Local Authorities are responsible for investigating and addressing localised flooding issues in their area, and Local Authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.

Local Authorities 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 fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. 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.

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. 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.