Edinburgh Council will be continuing talks with the Scottish Government and local government umbrella body COSLA over a funding shortfall for the second and third phases of flood prevention works on the Water of Leith.
After an unsuccessful bid for Government support in December 2011, the Council is hoping to secure funding for flooding projects later this year.
Transport convener Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “The total cost of building existing and future flood defences for Edinburgh is at least £144m, which is well beyond our own means. While the completed scheme on Braidburn and the finished parts of the Water of Leith are providing protection, other parts of the city continue to be at risk. Recent events have shown again how important it is that we have these defences in place and I very much hope COSLA and the Scottish Government can be persuaded of the capital’s case.”
The current funding arrangements are detailed in a report to the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment committee next week. The report also describes the lessons learned from recent flooding, especially on 7 July 2012 at the Stockbridge Colonies and in Warriston (see video of floodwaters).
As a result, the Council is looking to improve the way it co-ordinates with other organisations to plan for and respond to major flooding incidents.