Councils in Ireland are being urged to "make best possible use" of the Minor Works Scheme, which aims to address flooding problems throughout the country.

The Minor Works Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009 following the severe flooding that year. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.

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Minister of State Sean Canney met with Chief Executives from local authorities to discuss the significant work made by the councils.

He said: "The work of the local authorities in this regard is of great importance and never more so than in carrying out their principal response agency role during major flood events such as we experienced last winter. I would like to acknowledge also the contribution made by the local authorities in working in collaboration with my Office, the OPW, on the CFRAM Programme and on some of the large urban flood relief projects which have been successfully implemented in recent years. The local authorities also play a very important role in addressing the very many smaller scale flooding problems within their administrative boundaries which have brought relief and considerable benefit to many homeowners. While the Councils can undertake these minor works using their own resources, it is open to them also to apply for funding under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme (the Minor Works scheme)."

(CD)