Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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33. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will examine the case for the clearing of a stream (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50704/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The area does not form a part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which falls under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. The OPW therefore, has no responsibility for the maintenance of the channel, nor has any authority to carry out any works there.

Localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Kerry County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The Council may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the 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 criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme in the coming weeks.