3 June 2022
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Minister O’Donovan announces funding approval for flood protection works at Baurnahulla, Drimoleague, Co. Cork
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., has announced the approval of Cork County Council’s application under the Office of Public Works’ Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Under the scheme, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has approved funding of €22,615 for proposed works to mitigate flood risk through a series of measures at Baurnahulla, Drimoleague, Co. Cork. These include a CCTV survey of an existing septic tank to ascertain its integrity and, if required, its replacement; installation of a non-return valve and a permanent sump; and ramped entrance to the driveway and banked back to earthen embankments.
File photo Patrick O’Donovan, TD, Minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW) visiting Fota Wildlife Park
Pic: Darragh Kane
Above: Google maps showing general location of Drimoleague, West Cork
Background
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works in 2009.
The purpose of the 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.
Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.
Works that are normally the responsibility of the local authorities will generally not be considered for OPW funding. Where such works would also mitigate the risk of flooding to properties, partial funding may be considered by OPW.
The Local Authorities must be satisfied that the works will not have a significant impact on flood risk elsewhere.
The commencement and progression of any works for which funding is approved is a matter for each Local Authority concerned.
More information, including annual lists of projects for which funding under this scheme has been approved, is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0e3b3d-minor-flood-mitigation-works-and-coastal-protection-scheme/
