The Office of Public Works has approved almost €50,000 in funding for flood mitigation works in Rathcormac, Co Cork.

Cork County Council’s application for support under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme has been granted €49,899. The works will involve clearing silt, debris and vegetation from the attenuation area of the Kilbrien stream to reduce flood risk.

The scheme, introduced in 2009, provides funding to local authorities for minor flood mitigation and coastal protection measures where solutions can be identified and implemented quickly. Projects costing up to €750,000 can receive up to 90 per cent of their cost from the OPW.

Since its introduction, Cork County Council has had 61 applications supported under the scheme. Each application is assessed against economic, social and environmental criteria, including cost-benefit ratios. Works that fall under the normal responsibility of local authorities are usually excluded, although partial funding can be considered where they reduce flood risk to properties.

The commencement and progress of approved works remain the responsibility of each local authority. Full details of approved projects are available at floodinfo.ie.