Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
301. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the coastal protection works/flood prevention works he plans to carry out in County Kerry during 2026; the amount of funding which has been made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11471/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra308. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the coastal protection works/flood prevention works he proposes to carry out in County Kerry during 2026; the amount of funding that has been made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11585/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 308 together.
Local coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. The OPW is working closely with Kerry County Council (KCC) to implement a number of initiatives to tackle coastal erosion and flooding in the county. The OPW are currently funding three local authority staff in KCC to manage the delivery of flood relief schemes, a Senior Executive Engineer, Executive Engineer and a Senior Staff member.
Minor Works Scheme
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The funding available for each scheme has recently been increased from €750,000 to €2 million. Further details related to this are due to be announced shortly.
The Minor Works Scheme is a demand led scheme. Funding allocated is based on the cost submitted by the local authorities for consideration.
Construction timelines are submitted to the OPW on applying for funding approval. KCC presently have one Minor Works application for the county awaiting approval. Maherabeg has been assessed by the OPW and a request for further information from KCC will be reviewed once submitted.
Since 2009, OPW has approved some 40 projects and €4.2m to KCC under the Minor Works Schemes. This includes circa €1.15 million in approved funding for 11 Studies undertaken by KCC under the Minor Works Scheme. These studies were carried out to help inform of options and fulfil requirements to progress schemes.
Flood Relief Schemes in Kerry
The Government has also committed to investing some €81m for the design and implementation of flood relief schemes for Co. Kerry. Tralee, Kenmare, Abbeydorney and Banna are in the first tranche of schemes to be progressed with Dingle, Killarney, Ballylongford, Listowel and Castleisland/Tullig in the second tranche.
Tralee
As part of the design, to protect 717 properties, the consultant has carried out options assessment of 11 appraisal areas. Following this screening process a series of flood risk management options were developed for each area with both fluvial and coastal options. A Public Consultation Day will be held in the coming months, to bring all options appraised to the public for their feedback. It is programmed to submit the scheme to planning in Q3, 2027.
Kenmare
The scheme’s design is being progressed to protect 235 properties. The consultant has carried out options assessment and identified 6 fluvial options and 3 coastal options. These options have progressed through the Multi Criteria Assessment process. A Public Consultation Day will be held in the coming months, to bring all options appraised to the public for their feedback. It is programmed to submit the scheme to planning in Q2, 2027.
Banna
To progress this scheme design Kerry County Council is completing a wider flood risk assessment; including the channels to the north and general drainage from the Ballyheigue area.
Abbeydorney
The OPW Flood Relief Design section through liaison with Kerry County Council have initiated a scheme feasibility assessment of Abbeydorney Co. Kerry.
