Confusion over available funds means millions not spent on storm repairs
Confusion over funding levels has contributed to tens of millions of euro set aside for storm damage repairs remaining unspent.
The Irish Independent found that six months after the last storms, a fraction of the money allocated by two of those bodies - the Office of Public Works and the Department of Transport - has been drawn down by city and county councils.
Senior Engineer with Clare County Council Tom Tiernan said they have submitted a €12m proposal to strengthen defences destroyed in the January storms.
He said they have not got the answers they need to complete essential works.
He said: "The bottom line is, while we have been informed of an availability of a sum of money, we don’t know how much we have available to carry out the programme of works that needs to be carried out.
"Therefore we can't develop that programme."
