€8.27m approved by OPW to boost Clare’s flood defences – Conway

Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement from the Office of Public Works (OPW) that €8.27 million has been allocated to improve flood defences in Clare. Senator Conway added that two EU studies published recently by the European Commission further underline the importance of investing in flood protection.

“Clare has been awarded the highest level of funding nationally for repairing its damaged flood defences, which is only right considering the devastation that was wrought on the county during the severe weather in December and January.

“This €8.27 million will allow coastal protections to be repaired and for flood defence works to be carried out. The announcement of this funding is timely, as two new EU studies published last week show how environment policy can spur economic growth by boosting flood protection and by putting a strong emphasis and focus on green taxes.

“I am convinced that investing in flood protection will provide benefits for our environment and assist the creation of jobs. Investing in flood protection can bring many benefits to the economy, especially through nature-based solutions which are highly cost-effective and sustainable.

“Between 2002 and 2013, 16 severe storms were recorded in Ireland, costing an average of €92 million in damage and repair works. This means storms cost the country about €1.5 billion in just over a decade. This is completely unsustainable and a Government-led plan must be put in place.

“The EU studies reveal that investing in measures to reduce flooding costs up to eight times less than the damage caused by actual flooding itself. In light of the recent terrible flooding and the considerable damage caused to rural towns and communities, I urge the Government to consider this evidence and put long-term initiatives in place to address coastal erosion and flood management.”

ENDS