OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
MANSERGH WELCOMES CABINET DECISION TO TRANSFER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITES FOR COASTAL PROTECTION AND COASTAL FLOODING TO THE OPW
Minister of State Dr. Martin Mansergh, TD has welcomed the Cabinet decision to transfer the coastal flood risk responsibilities to the Office of Public Works which will now allow for a more integrated assessment of the risk of flooding from both tidal and river sources.
Minister Mansergh said: “ I am pleased that this decision will now provide a single point of contact with Government in relation to all aspects of coastal and fluvial flood risk management. It will provide further clarity as to the responsibility for dealing with flood risk and reduce the need for cross-departmental co-ordination in relation to many issues. The OPW has a well-developed operational expertise in the area of flood relief and flood defence scheme construction and has worked well in the past with all stakeholders in providing effective schemes”.
The Minister continued, “The OPW and its Hydrometric Service are well placed to continue their work in data collection and provide the necessary expertise in gathering coastal data to assist its work in providing factual information in monitoring sea levels and detecting any possible impacts on these levels by climate change”.
The transfer of these responsibilities and corresponding resources, both financial and staffing, will begin immediately and no additional capital funding is required at this time.