Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
74. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a report on the work approved under the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51456/26]
View answerLocalised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and a Local Authority may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. Local Authorities may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation and coastal protection works under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Since its introduction in 2009, some €70 million has been approved under the Scheme for 930 local authority led projects that are delivering flood mitigation and coastal protection for some 8,000 properties.
On 25th May 2026, I was pleased to announce revised criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme that greatly increase the scope of the Scheme. The revisions include an increase in the upper threshold in funding for projects from €750,000 to €2 million and an increase in the OPW contribution from 90% to 95% for approved funding above €300,000. I have also expanded the Scheme to include interim flood mitigation measures for communities where a major flood relief scheme is planned, but not complete. Further revisions include the relaxing of some economic criteria.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €1.9 million in funding for some 26 projects to Louth County Council under the Scheme.
Full details of the revised Scheme are available on the OPW floodinfo website and details of the project funding approved are available at the following link www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/?la=17
