Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
508. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he can place flood protections at a location (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11639/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May 2021, the OPW approved funding of €45,720 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for Limerick City and County Council to replace culverts on the R515 in Bresheen South, Kilmallock. An additional sum of €16,002 was approved by the OPW in September 2022, with the works completed in November 2022. Officials from OPW South-Western Drainage Maintenance section have confirmed that they met with Limerick City and County Council in July 2025, and again in January of this year, to discuss the flood risk at this location.
The OPW understands that Limerick City and County Council are currently reviewing options for potential flood mitigation measures at Bresheen. The OPW South-Western Drainage Maintenance section will continue to engage with Limerick City and County Council on this matter, and remain available to provide guidance to the Council, if required.
Localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Limerick City and 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. Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of some €3.2 million to County Limerick for some 57 projects.
