€9m for securing defences remains in council coffers

MORE than €9 million given to councils for flood defences will remain unspent this year.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) strongly criticised the way funding is “parked” by local authorities before work commences.

Waterford city had €4.9m advanced to it for flood relief in 2007, but will not spend the money until 2009. Similarly, Carlow — which was the scene of significant flooding this summer — will have €1.75m meant for relief schemes still locked in its coffers by the end of the year.