OPW funding of €67,500 has been approved for minor flood mitigation works in Ballymote, County Sligo, supporting planned clearance work along the upper Carrigen’s stream. The announcement was made by Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran through the Office of Public Works (OPW) on 3 November 2026.
The funding follows an application from Sligo County Council under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The project is intended to address a localised flooding risk by improving the flow of water through the stream and associated culverts.
OPW funding approved for Ballymote stream clearance
The approved allocation will support clearance works on the upper section of Carrigen’s stream. The proposed work includes:
- Removal of vegetation from the stream channel
- Clearing of all culverts
- Removal and appropriate disposal of cleared materials
These measures are designed to help maintain the watercourse and reduce obstructions that can contribute to local flooding. Sligo County Council will be responsible for the commencement and delivery of the works.
How the minor flood mitigation scheme works
The OPW introduced its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme in 2009. It provides financial support to local authorities for relatively small-scale projects or studies addressing localised flooding and coastal protection issues.
The scheme generally applies where a practical solution can be identified and delivered within a short timeframe. Local authorities must also establish that proposed works will not significantly increase flood risk in other locations.
Although routine responsibilities of local authorities are normally excluded, partial OPW funding may be considered where works also reduce the risk of flooding to properties.
Previous Sligo projects
According to the press release, 19 applications from Sligo County Council have previously received support through the scheme. Details of approved projects and county-level funding are available through the OPW’s flood information resources.
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What the Ballymote works mean for residents
For people living near Carrigen’s stream, the project represents a targeted intervention focused on watercourse maintenance and drainage capacity. Clearing vegetation and culverts can help water move more freely, although the precise timing and progression of the project will be determined by Sligo County Council.
The allocation is part of a broader approach to managing flood risk in communities across Ireland. Agencies including the OPW, local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency may contribute to wider flood planning, environmental oversight and resilience measures, depending on the nature of individual projects.
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Next steps for the Ballymote project
The OPW has confirmed the funding approval, but the start date and pace of the work remain matters for the local authority. Residents seeking project updates should monitor communications from Sligo County Council and the OPW.
Further information on the scheme, including annual lists of projects that have received approval, is available through the OPW’s minor works and flood information services.
Conclusion
This OPW funding approval provides €67,500 for practical flood mitigation work in Ballymote, County Sligo. By clearing vegetation and culverts along Carrigen’s upper stream, the project aims to improve local watercourse management and support community flood resilience.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie