Simon Harris, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, welcomed today (Tuesday 14 October) the 2015 Estimates Allocations provided to the Office of Public Works which shows continuing commitment to the work of the Office across its portfolio, including flood risk management, estate portfolio management and heritage services.

Minister Harris said: "This allocation re-affirms the commitment of the Government and I to tackling the problem of flooding throughout the country, despite very difficult decisions made in many expenditure areas. A total of €225 million has been set aside for capital flood risk management and mitigation expenditure in the 'Infrastructure and Capital Investment Medium Term Exchequer Framework for the period 2012-2016'. This annual allocation of €45m has enabled the OPW, in conjunction with its local authority partners, to address both existing and future flood risk pro-actively and systematically through a number of complementary programmes. The CFRAM Programme of flood maps of the country is well advanced and public consultation days are already underway for the draft maps. On the capital side, my Office will continue the advancement of projects at Bray, Claregalway, Bandon, River Dodder and Skibbereen. Other schemes that will progress include Arklow, Cork, Clonakilty, Douglas and Templemore."

Minister Harris also pointed out that "the storms of early 2014 had such a devastating effect on communities and the additional exceptional capital allocation provided by the Government Decision of 11 February to my Office is there for local authorities to draw down as quickly as possible."

Speaking today, Minister Harris reiterated the role of the OPW in "the rollout of a very successful programme of lease rationalisation and rent reviews which will allow for savings to meet other requirements for my Office. We will continue to progress and implement the Property Asset Management Delivery Plan working to rationalising Departmental accommodation to modern, third generation standards while also optimising energy efficiency and space utilisation across the public sector."

Minister Harris welcomed that "My Office has been instrumental in the preparations for the 2016 commemorative programme and the significant redevelopment of the Kilmainham Gaol and Court complex will be a flagship project. Heritage Services, involving the management of 1,000 individual national monuments at 768 locations in ownership or guardianship with a combined provision of 70 visitor facilities play a pivotal role in the growth of local and international tourism and my Office will continue to grow and with our tourism partners, develop visitor numbers in this area."

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Simon Harris, please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer at 01 647 6128 or 087 947 5552

Notes to Editors:

Flood Relief Projects: €45m has been provided for the CFRAM programme and for flood relief projects including Bray, Claregalway, Bandon, River Dodder and Skibbereen. Some schemes that will progress to design stage include Cork, Clonakilty, Crossmolina, Raphoe, Douglas, Glanmire, Templemore, Arklow and Enniscorthy.

Energy Efficiency Programme: €2.5m has been provided to continue the investment in the property portfolio improving the energy efficiency of the public sector.

2016 Commemorative Programme: €3.5m has been provided for the Kilmainham Gaol Visitor Centre.