OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Mansergh Announces Increased Allocation for Minor Flood and Coastal Protection Works
Friday 15th January 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Martin Mansergh, T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced that increased funding is being made available by the OPW in 2010 for minor works and studies to address localised flood and coastal erosion problems.
Dr. Mansergh said "Having seen at first hand the devastation caused in many parts of the country during 2009, I am anxious that where works have been identified, or can readily be identified by Local Authorities, that would reduce the risk of future flooding that these should progress as soon as possible. The OPW will also be continuing to provide funding for coastal protection works. An initial allocation of €6m will be made available by the OPW for works and studies to address flooding and coastal erosion that can be completed in 2010. This compares to allocations of approximately €2m made for such works and studies in 2009, many of which are now underway".
The scale of the works that will be considered for funding by OPW has been expanded to allow Local Authorities greater flexibility in addressing flood and coastal erosion problems in their areas. The OPW is currently seeking applications from Local Authorities for funding for flood mitigation works or studies that they propose to undertake this year.
The Minister, who is today visiting some of the towns in West Cork worst affected by the weather conditions including Skibbereen, Clonakilty and Bandon added that “in addition to providing funding the OPW will itself, where appropriate, undertake minor flood mitigation works or commission studies on behalf of Local Authorities. The initial allocation of €6m will be reviewed when detailed applications for funding from Local Authorities have been received and evaluated.
The Minister concluded "the funding of minor flood alleviation and coastal protection works are part of OPW's comprehensive strategy to reduce national flood risk. The flood alleviation minor works and coastal protection works will run in parallel with the ongoing major flood relief programme, which this year will see flood defence works that are being undertaken or funded by OPW continuing at Clonmel, Ennis, Fermoy, Waterford, Carlow and Mallow".
In total the OPW's capital budget allocation for both minor and major flood relief works, coastal protection works and non-structural measures is €50 million, an increase of 38% on last year's expenditure outturn.
Ends
· For further information contact Kevin Kennedy, OPW Press Office (01) 647 6159.