OPW Funding Targets Flood Risks in Wicklow

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has approved additional funding for Wicklow County Council under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

An extra €31,638 has been granted to extend the Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study currently underway, covering the area from Arklow North Beach to Clogga Beach. This funding will allow consultants to carry out a wave overtopping and flood inundation analysis to better understand the coastal risks along the Arklow coastline.

The total funding approved for this project now stands at €153,138.

The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009. Since then, Wicklow County Council has had 20 applications supported under the scheme. It provides funding to local authorities to carry out minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works and studies addressing localised problems.

Projects considered under the scheme generally cost no more than €750,000 and may receive up to 90 percent funding. The OPW assesses applications based on economic, social, and environmental criteria, including a cost-benefit ratio.

Works that are normally the responsibility of local authorities are generally excluded unless they also reduce flood risk to properties, in which case partial funding may be granted. Local authorities must ensure that approved works do not significantly increase flood risk elsewhere.

The commencement and progress of any funded works remain the responsibility of the relevant local authority.