Minister Mansergh Announces Funding of over €1.3M for Minor Flood works

Dr. Martin Mansergh, T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today announced details of the funding being made available by the OPW to Local Authorities in 2009 for minor works and studies to address localised flood problems.

Dr. Mansergh said "The Office of Public Works has always worked closely with Local Authorities in relation to flood mitigation. OPW sought detailed applications from Local Authorities prioritising projects that require immediate measures or studies in their areas. The responses received were evaluated by OPW officials. Based on these responses and a Qualitative Risk Assessment that was carried out by OPW, a total of €1.3M is being allocated to Local Authorities for works and studies which can be substantially completed in 2009. In total, thirty projects in 11 counties will receive funding, in this, the first programme of its kind."

The Minister continued "When making the decision on funding my office concentrated on areas where there was a substantial risk to houses and other properties. These minor projects are part of OPW's strategy to reduce national flood risk. I will also announce details shortly of funding for schemes put forward by Local Authorities under this programme for 2010".