Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the Office of Public Works (OPW) NDP Sectoral Investment Plan 2026-2030, including the €715 million allocation for flood risk management.
Minister Canney said the investment is essential as Ireland faces more frequent and severe climate-related flooding.
“I strongly welcome the €715 million now committed to flood relief schemes over the next five years. Communities are already experiencing heavier rainfall, stronger storms and repeated flooding. This level of investment is vital to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.”
He noted however, that the delivery of flood relief schemes must accelerate. “At present, it can takes up to 12 years to bring a scheme to construction.
The Gort Lowlands project began in 2016 and now over 9 years on, a final design has still not been secured. This is an unacceptable time span. Communities cannot continue to wait more than a decade for protection.”
Minister Canney said: “Environmental constraints are a significant factor in the slow pace of delivery. Yet the amount of damage caused to the environment and biodiversity by floods far outweighs any environmental impact in providing flood alleviation measures. We need a system that recognises this reality.”
He added that the current situation has become increasingly contradictory. “We are delaying flood protection for environmental reasons, while the long delays themselves allow far greater environmental damage to occur through repeated flooding.”
Minister Canney said the new OPW plan provides a strong platform for progress but must now be matched with faster approval processes.
“This funding gives certainty and momentum. The priority now is to move projects through assessment and delivery in a timely manner to ensure we protect our communities, homes, livestock farm yards and our road infrastructure. Flood relief is a core climate-resilience measure, and it must be delivered with urgency.”
The OPW Sectoral Investment Plan sets out a total capital envelope of €1.845 billion for 2026–2030, including €715 million for Flood Risk Management and €1.13 billion for Estate Management.
