181. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department will consider the approval of extra funding under the revised minor works scheme for a project (details supplied); the timeline on when this Deputy can expect a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53870/26]

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.

In 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. Further revisions include the relaxing of some economic criteria which lowers the required threshold for viable solutions. Details of the Scheme are available at: www.floodinfo.ie

Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €6.48 million in funding under the Scheme to Cork County Council for some 56 projects. This includes funding of €81,844, in September 2024, for proposed works at Castlemartyr, which includes embankment lowering and cleaning of the Kiltha River. In August 2025, the OPW approved funding of €116,235 for a flood mitigation study in Mogeely.

On 29th June 2026, Cork County Council submitted an application to the Scheme for additional funding of €691,875 for a study to undertake hydrological and hydraulic modelling, surveys and ground investigation works for the purpose of identifying interim flood mitigation measures for the villages of Mogeely and Castlemartyr. This application is currently under review by the OPW, and a decision is expected in the coming weeks.