Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an update on plans by his Department to increase the upper funding threshold for flood prevention works under the OPW's minor works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56032/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme (Minor Works Scheme) was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) 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 or coastal erosion problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.

Applications for funding from local authorities are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.

I recently announced that an increase in funding supports are to be made available to local authorities under the Minor Works Scheme, including an increase in the upper Minor Works threshold from €750,000 to €2,000,000. Details of these revisions to the Scheme are to be made available to local authorities over the coming weeks.