Minister Seán Canney Welcomes Major Enhancements to OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has warmly welcomed today’s announcement by OPW Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran of significant improvements to the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
The key changes announced include:
- An increase in the maximum funding threshold per project from €750,000 to €2 million, allowing local authorities to deliver larger and more ambitious projects.
- A dedicated funding envelope of €3 million to support local authorities in removing river conveyance blockages at bridges, culverts and other crossings, where these increase flood risk.
- Provision in principle for the maintenance of capital works funded under the scheme. The details are to be agreed with Local Authorities.
- Flexibility for local authorities to apply for interim measures ahead of major schemes and for individual property protection measures, subject to assessment.
“This is very important and welcome news for Galway County and City Councils and for local authorities across the country,” Minister Canney said. “The increase in the funding ceiling under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme will enable councils to undertake larger-scale flood relief and coastal protection works in their communities.”
Minister Canney noted that the scheme has already delivered major benefits since its introduction: “Over €69 million in funding has been approved for more than 900 projects nationwide, protecting almost 8,000 homes from flooding and coastal erosion. Galway County Council have been a leading local authority is securing funding in the past and these changes will allow for further investment to ensure that even more communities can be safeguarded in the years ahead.”
He continued: “When I served as Minister of State for the OPW, I enhanced the Minor Works Scheme to make it more flexible and adjusted the cost benefit analysis matrix to include additional works that could be supported. I am pleased to see this further evolution of the scheme, which will give councils even greater capacity to respond to local needs.”
He also particularly welcomed the focus on funding to address channel blockages. “We have to strike the right balance between protecting nature and biodiversity and ensuring that our rivers and channels can carry water safely,” he said. “Clearing blockages is the most natural and effective way to allow rivers to flow, and this targeted funding will give local authorities the resources to carry out this essential work. It is essential that we continue to maintain our water channels following capital investment in developing flood relief schemes ”
Minister Canney concluded by noting the importance of today’s announcement: “These changes will be of real benefit to communities. With the higher threshold and new supports, further opportunities will open up to protect homes, businesses and vital infrastructure from flood and coastal risks.”