Tánaiste Simon Harris Announces €332,100 in Flood Protection Funding for Wicklow 

Eight local authorities will benefit from an almost €7 million national package announced today in the wake of Storm Chandra.

Wicklow TD Simon Harris has announced €332,100 in funding for County Wicklow.  It's part of a €6.6 million national package to introduce interim flood protection measures for communities devastated by Storm Chandra earlier this year.

The funding will support Wicklow County Council to put protective measures in place ahead of next winter, with a particular focus for towns like Arklow and Aughrim, that bore the brunt of the storm.

Speaking after the announcement, Tánaiste Harris said:

Storm Chandra was one of the most destructive weather events Wicklow has seen in years. This funding is an important step but it is only a step.

For too many people in Wicklow, this was not the first time floodwaters came through their front door. Communities like Arklow and Aughrim have been waiting too long for permanent flood relief schemes. These interim measures will offer real protection ahead of next winter, but they are not a substitute for the major works that need to be delivered and I will keep pushing for them.

The Tánaiste also paid tribute to Wicklow County Council, the emergency services and local volunteers for their response in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

I want to thank the staff of Wicklow County Council, the fire and emergency services, the Gardaí, the Civil Defence and the countless neighbours who turned up with sandbags and hot meals when their community needed them most. 

Planning ahead for continued safety will also be within reach locally. Minister for the OPW Kevin Boxer Moran’s is raising the funding threshold for Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.  That’s going up from €750,000 to €2 million.  

Tánaiste Harris also welcomed Minister Moran’s commitment, calling it a “significant change” that will allow Wicklow County Council to plan more ambitious local flood defences in the years ahead.

Today’s announcement should not be seen as a full stop. The major flood relief schemes for Arklow and other Wicklow communities must continue to be progressed. I will continue to work with my Government colleagues, with Wicklow County Council and with local representatives to make sure Wicklow gets every euro and every scheme it needs to keep our towns and villages safe.