OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Minister Mansergh Announces Further Funding for Minor Flood works
Minor Flood Works Funding May 2010
Tuesday 25th May 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Martin Mansergh, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced details of further funding being made available by the OPW to Local Authorities for minor works and studies in 2010 to address localised flood problems.
Dr. Mansergh said: "In March this year I announced allocations to 15 Local Authorities totalling €6.7M for flood mitigation measures to address localised flooding problems, including many areas affected by the unprecedented flood events in 2009".
"Based on assessment by my officials of additional information and new applications received subsequently, I have now allocated a further €3.9M to 14 Local Authorities for measures in their administrative areas", the Minister said. "The amount that has now been allocated this year represents a 500% increase on the amount allocated in 2009. This demonstrates my commitment, and that of the Government, to reducing the risk of flooding to communities throughout the country as a matter of urgency".
Minister Mansergh stated: "The OPW is continuing to liaise with some Local Authorities regarding applications in respect of which additional information is required. It will be open to Local Authorities to submit further applications for funding during the remainder of the year and all applications that meet the relevant eligibility criteria will be considered having regard to the overall resources available".
"The OPW is also continuing to actively pursue potential mitigation measures in a number of other locations where it is envisaged the works would be carried out by OPW's own workforce, on behalf of the relevant Local Authority", the Minister said.
"The provision of funding for minor flood mitigation works complements a range of other ongoing OPW programmes, including carrying out major flood relief schemes and flood studies, that are aimed at managing national flood risk in a proactive and comprehensive way into the future", the Minister stated.
The Minister added that he had visited many of the areas that were badly affected and met with local representatives and communities to listen to their needs and concerns and also to communicate OPW's programme for addressing flood risk.
This funding announcement is the third such announcement made by the Office of Public Works since October 2009. On 20th October 2009 funding of €1.3M was announced; on 26th March 2010 funding of €6.7M was announced and today's announcement brings the total funding announced in the last 7 months to €11.9M and represents a fair distribution geographically to local authorities around the country.
End.
For further information contact Kevin Kennedy, OPW Press Office, (01) 647 6159 or (087) 930 3888
Notes for Editors:-
The complete list of funding offers being made today is attached.
Projects allocated funding in 2009 that have not yet been completed by Local Authorities will be granted funding on completion in 2010.
Approved Projects 2010 Coastal and Non-Coastal