Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
98. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for clarification whether minor flood mitigation works funded by OPW have been implemented in Longford town; and to provide details of such works, including locations and completion dates. [10605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoastal protection and localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address, and local authorities may carry out these works using their own resources. Longford County 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.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €924,000 in funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to County Longford for some 25 projects. To date, the OPW has approved two Minor Works Projects for Longford town. In June 2018, the OPW approved €14,040 in funding for a study at The Mall, in Longford town. This study was completed in December 2019. In March 2021, the OPW approved €23,786 in funding to replace an existing road culvert and to raise the existing road levels at Farannyoogan, Longford Town. These works were completed in December 2021. The OPW welcomes applications for funding under the Minor Works scheme and is available to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
