Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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125. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to confirm that the OPW will prioritise the Seapoint Bridge and surrounding flooding zone in Termonfeckin, County Louth for attention in their list of projects for minor flood mitigation works; the timescale for those works to complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64059/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Louth 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.

The OPW does not currently have any application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for the location referenced in this question. Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €1.9 million to County Louth for some 26 projects.

The Scheme Viability Reviews (SVRs) for Annagassan and Termonfeckin have been completed. As the SVRs for these areas concluded that potentially viable Flood Relief Schemes have been identified, these areas will be brought forward as Flood Relief Projects in due course, through the second tranche of schemes. The OPW will discuss with Louth County Council the optimal means for progressing Flood Relief in these areas.