Additional Funds Released For Storm Damage Repairs

Minister Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, has confirmed that remaining funds – allocated to local councils last year for storm damage repairs, following the first period of severe weather in Winter 2013/2014 – is being divided out to the local authorities.

In February 2014, the Government allocated total funding of up to €69.5m for the restoration of public infrastructure and facilities damaged by the severe weather events in the period between 13 December 2013 and 6 January 2014, based on estimates of costs provided by Local Authorities to the Department of the Environment Community and Local Government.

This allocation also included up to €19.6m for repairs of existing coastal protection and flood defences.

Following review by the OPW, all remaining funds allocated the decision is now being disbursed to local authorities, it has been announced.

Minister Harris also confirmed additional one-off funding is being allocated to local authorities that suffered further damage to coastal protection infrastructure in the second period of severe weather in 2014, in order to allow them prioritise repair works following those storms.

The Minister said: "I am pleased to announce that the remaining funds and some additional funding is being disbursed to local authorities. From the detailed consultation my Office has with all the authorities and my many meetings up and down the country, I know their plans and contracts are well advanced. This will help the authorities to prioritise the storm damage works in their respective areas and to finalise these essential repair works."

(JP)