The Office of Public Works (OPW) has approved Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council’s application for additional support under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, benefiting the Monkstown area.

Under the scheme, €64,382 has been allocated for a flood study and mapping covering the Monkstown environs, focusing on the Sallynoggin and Stradbrook Streams. This builds on €135,000 sanctioned in 2020, bringing the total funding approved to date to €199,382.

Introduced in 2009, the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme supports local authorities with targeted works and studies to address localised flooding and coastal erosion. Since its launch, seven applications from Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown have been supported under the scheme.

-- Advertisement --

The scheme typically applies where solutions can be readily identified and delivered in a short timeframe. Applications are generally considered for projects costing up to €750,000, with up to 90% funding available for approved proposals. The OPW assesses applications against the scheme’s economic, social and environmental criteria, including a cost–benefit ratio.

Works that are normally the responsibility of local authorities are generally not eligible for OPW funding, although partial support may be considered where such works would reduce flood risk to properties. Local authorities must be satisfied that approved measures will not significantly increase flood risk elsewhere, and are responsible for commencing and progressing any funded works.