Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
418. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the development of flood defence scheme for the Oranmore to Kinvarra coastline in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3537/26]
View answerLocalised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Galway County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
The Council may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme was introduced by the OPW 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 flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the scheme shortly.
In February 2024, the OPW approved an application to the scheme for Galway County Council for funding of €108,000 to conduct a study to identify houses and businesses at risk of flooding from the coastline of Oranmore to Kinvarra, and to confirm the appropriate protection levels that are required.
Galway County Council have advised that the Consultant appointed to complete the study has completed an assessment of the data gathered from Storm Debi, in addition to topographical and threshold surveys throughout the study area. Flood extent maps are currently being finalised and once complete, the Council intends to engage with the OPW to discuss the outcome of the study.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €10.8 million to Galway County Council for some 236 projects.
