Funding pot increased for flood and coastal works

The Government has approved a major increase in funding limits for local flood and coastal protection works, with the maximum allocation per project rising from €750,000 to €2 million.

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin “Boxer” Moran said the changes to the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme will allow local authorities to carry out larger-scale defences, including nature-based solutions.

A separate €3 million fund has also been set aside to tackle river blockages at bridges, culverts and crossings where these increase flood risk.

The scheme, first introduced in 2009, has so far supported more than 900 projects nationwide. Over €69 million in funding has been approved, with an estimated 7,900 homes benefiting from protection measures.

Mr Moran said the revisions would give councils greater flexibility in addressing local flood and erosion risks and would provide scope for ongoing maintenance of works funded through the scheme.

The OPW will issue full details of the changes to local authorities in the coming weeks.