Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
265. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the OPW or his Department has received any requests for funding in respect of flood defence works in Clontarf in recent years; whether any such requests were refused, deferred or required further revision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48634/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin City Council was granted planning permission for a flood relief scheme for Clontarf in 2008. Following significant public objection to the proposed scheme, City Councillors passed a resolution not to proceed with the construction of the project in late 2011. The Office of Public Works (OPW) highlighted to the Council that it was open to the Council to reapply to the OPW for funding for the scheme in the future.
The OPW is currently engaging with Dublin City Council to progress the design of a flood relief scheme for Clontarf. In February 2026, Dublin City Council highlighted it wished to progress the coastal flood protection works planned for Clontarf Promenade as an integral component of a broader Masterplan for Clontarf. This Plan incorporates the coastal flood protection works with a number of significant public realm enhancements and infrastructural elements. Funding for this scheme is available from the Government’s €1.3bn allocation for the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan.
Pending the design and completion of a permanent scheme, I prioritised the replacement of the sandbag structures that were temporarily installed as flood protection along the promenade. Following my engagement with the Council and the local community I committed €120,000 for the replacement of the sandbags with interlocking barriers that were successfully installed by February 2026.
In April, 2026, I further allocated €591,440 (incl VAT) to Dublin City Council to introduce interim flood protection measures, in response to flooding that occurred during Storm Chandra in January for works at locations across Clontarf including Clontarf Road, Alfie Byrne Road and Clontarf Baths.
Localised 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 Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme (Minor Works Scheme). The purpose of the Minor Works 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 scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
On the 25th May 2026, I announced that details of the revised criteria for the Minor Works Scheme are available, and greatly increased the scope of the scheme to provide local authorities with a greater opportunity to address localised flooding and coastal erosion risks within their administrative areas. 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. This is a demand led scheme and is available to all local authorities, including Dublin City Council.
