Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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152. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following the recommendations in the CFERM report for Castlemaine Harbour which recommend various flood protection works, including those projects related to the Cromane area, to prioritise funding for these works as a matter of urgency in order that homes and properties in the area can be protected from tidal flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66513/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Under the Office of Public Works (OPW), Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, funding was approved between 2018 and 2022 for €116,660 to Kerry County Council (KCC), to undertake a coastal erosion and flood risk management study for the Dingle Bay East-Castlemaine Harbour area.

The purpose of the study was to assist KCC with preparation of a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management Plan for the area. This plan is to identify the preferred option(s) and measure(s) to best manage the risks identified in the study.

A draft copy of this study report was issued to the OPW by KCC in June 2024 and has since been reviewed by the OPW. It is understood that this report has now been finalised by KCC.

Coastal erosion and localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. Local authorities can undertake these works within their own resources.

In 2009, the OPW introduced the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake studies, coastal erosion or minor flood mitigation works within their administrative areas.

This Minor Works Scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame, and the costs do not exceed €750,000.

Applications under the scheme are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria set for this scheme. 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.

No new Minor Works applications have been received from KCC for the Dingle Bay East-Casltemanine Harbour area. Previous funding under the Minor Works Scheme in the amount of €100,000 for Cromane in 2012, €450,000 for Rossbeigh in 2018 and €195,250 for Incherea in 2012 to 2018 was made available by OPW.