OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Mansergh Announces Details of Funding for Minor Flood and Coastal Erosion Works
Approved Projects 2010 Coastal and Non-Coastal PDF 80kb
Monday 29th March 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Martin Mansergh, T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced details of the first phase of funding being made available by the OPW to Local Authorities in 2010 for minor works and studies to address localised flood and coastal erosion problems .
Dr. Mansergh said: "Following the unprecedented flooding around the country late last year, the Government provided additional funding to the OPW for flood mitigation measures. This has enabled my Office to increase the total amount that can be provided to Local Authorities for minor works and studies. An initial allocation of €6.7M has been made for these purposes, compared to total allocations of €2.1M in 2009. The figure of €6.7M will be reviewed in the light of the level of applications received from Local Authorities".
The Minister stated that "Based on assessments completed by OPW of applications received from Local Authorities to date, we have at this stage allocated €5.43M to 12 Local Authorities for measures to address localised flooding problems in 52 inland areas. In addition, allocations totalling €1.27M are being made to 6 Local Authorities for minor coastal flooding and erosion measures, at 8 locations around the country. These allocations will allow the Local Authorities to proceed with these measures now to reduce the level of risk in the communities involved. The application assessment process is continuing, and OPW officials are liaising with a number of Local Authorities regarding applications in respect of which additional information is required".
The Minister said that it would be open to Local Authorities to submit further applications under this scheme during the year, and all applications that meet the relevant eligibility criteria would be considered having regard to the overall resources available.
The Minister emphasised that the Minor Flood Relief and Coastal Protection Programme that was introduced last year is an important element in the OPW's strategy for reducing and mitigating flood risks throughout the country.
Ends
· For further information contact Kevin Kennedy, OPW Press Office (01) 647 6159
Approved Projects 2010 Coastal and Non-Coastal PDF 80kb