€332,100 allocated for interim flood defences in Wicklow following Storm Chandra
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow has been awarded more than €330,000 in government funding to deliver interim flood‑protection measures in communities severely affected by Storm Chandra earlier this year.
The announcement was made by junior minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer' Moran, as part of a €6.6 million national package supporting eight local authorities.
The funding will enable Wicklow County Council to implement short‑term protective works ahead of next winter, with a particular focus on the towns of Arklow and Aughrim, both of which suffered extensive damage during the January storm.
The OPW confirmed that the €332,100 allocation is intended to reduce the immediate risk of repeat flooding while long‑term flood‑relief schemes continue to progress.
Wicklow Wexford TD Brian Brennan, welcomed the announcement, saying he had witnessed “first‑hand the devastation caused in Aughrim and also the damage done in Arklow, both during the storm and in the weeks that followed.” He said the flooding had left “huge fears for the future” among residents and businesses, and stressed that the funding must be put to immediate use.
“These measures are essential to future‑proof the impacted areas for homeowners, businesses and community facilities,” Mr Brennan said. “For the communities of Arklow and Aughrim, this funding remains an interim measure ahead of the planned flood‑relief schemes that are being delivered.”
Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris also welcomed the funding allocation, describing Storm Chandra as “one of the most destructive weather events Wicklow has seen in years.”
He said the funding represented an important step forward but emphasised that it was “only a step” toward the permanent solutions needed.
“For too many people in Wicklow, this was not the first time floodwaters came through their front door,” Deputy Harris said.
“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.”
The Tánaiste paid tribute to the emergency services, council staff and local volunteers who responded in the immediate aftermath of the storm, praising their efforts in protecting vulnerable residents and supporting clean‑up operations.
Mr Harris also welcomed Minister Moran’s commitment to raise the funding threshold for the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme from €750,000 to €2 million. He described the change as “significant,” saying it would allow Wicklow County Council to plan more ambitious local flood‑defence projects in the years ahead.
“Today’s announcement should not be seen as a full stop,” Mr Harris said.
“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.”
Wicklow is one of eight local authorities receiving funding under the national package, alongside Wexford, Kilkenny, Louth, South Dublin, Dublin City, Carlow and Waterford.