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 allocation of €200,000 to Galway County Council for river and channel clearance works aimed at reducing flood risk and protecting local communities.

The funding is being provided by the OPW as a standalone scheme to maintain existing channels and rivers – €3m is being provided nationally.

Galway City Council has been allocated €50,000 under the allocation.

Minister Canney said the investment highlights the importance not only of delivering major flood relief schemes, but also of maintaining rivers, drains and channels afterwards to protect those works and reduce ongoing flood risk.

“Large-scale flood relief schemes are critically important, but ongoing maintenance of rivers and channels is equally important to ensure those investments continue to work effectively,” Minister Canney said.

“Simple works such as clearing blockages, removing silt build-up and improving water flow can make a real difference for local communities, homes, farms and businesses.

Minister Canney also welcomed the recent enhancements to the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which have now become regulation.

The changes include increasing the maximum funding threshold per project from €750,000 to €2 million and an increase in the OPW contribution from 90% to 95% for the balance of approved funding above €300,000. Further revisions include the relaxation of some economic criteria which lowers the required threshold for viable solutions.

“When I served as Minister of State at the OPW, I worked to make the Minor Works Scheme more flexible and broaden the range of projects that could be supported,” Minister Canney said.

“I am very pleased to see these further changes being introduced because they will give local authorities greater capacity to respond to local flooding issues quickly and effectively.”

He said Galway County Council has a strong track record and encouraged local authorities nationwide to continue drawing down available funding, especially with these enhancements to the scheme.

“This is an important scheme that delivers practical projects that can often be progressed much faster than larger capital flood relief works,” he said.

“We have to strike the right balance between protecting biodiversity and ensuring rivers and drainage channels can carry water safely. Proper maintenance and targeted clearance works are essential in helping to prevent flooding and protecting homes, land and infrastructure.”