Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding is available in 2019 for local authorities to carry out low-cost flood relief schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39243/19]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Minor Works Scheme was introduced by my Office on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.

Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management.

Full details of this scheme are available on www.opw.ie