Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran TD, has announced funding of €82,021 for minor flood mitigation works in Ballingeary, Co Cork.

The funding, approved under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, will support Cork County Council in carrying out targeted clearance of bankside trees and scrub. Works will take place from The Ford area to the Bunsheelin River, including sections from Inchinossig Bridge and from the GAA pitch to the confluence with the River Lee.

The scheme, introduced in 2009, provides financial support to local authorities for small-scale projects designed to address localised flooding and coastal protection issues. Funding of up to 90 per cent of project costs is available, with applications assessed against economic, social and environmental criteria.

Since its introduction, 62 funding applications by Cork County Council have been supported under the scheme. Projects must cost less than €750,000 and demonstrate that they will not increase flood risk elsewhere.

Minister Moran said the works at Ballingeary would help reduce local flood risk and improve resilience. “This scheme allows us to respond quickly to localised flooding problems where practical solutions can be identified and delivered in a short timeframe,” he said.

The OPW confirmed that once funding is approved, the commencement and progression of works is a matter for the local authority concerned.

Further information on the scheme and annual lists of approved projects are available at floodinfo.ie.