Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 June 2016
143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to produce a flood alleviation, defence and prevention plan, in the short term, to deal with possible flood issues arising next winter and over the longer term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18776/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal flooding issues are matters for the local authority concerned to investigate and address in the first instance and it is open to them to carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Local Authorities may apply to the OPW for funding having regard to cost benefit eligibility criteria. Application forms are available on the OPW’s website under Flood Risk Management and decisions are made having regard to the overall availability of funding for flood risk management and are assessed on a case by case basis. This administrative Scheme’s eligibility criteria, including cost benefit requirements, are published on the OPW website; www.opw.ie.
Good progress is being made on the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities. The Programme involves the production of predictive flood partnership with the local authorities. The Programme involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each Area for Further Assessment (AFA), the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans.
The draft flood mapping is now being finalised following completion of the national statutory public consultation on 23rd December 2015. Work on the development of preliminary options to address flood risk is underway. Following finalisation of the mapping and the identification of flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated Flood Risk Management Plans containing specific measures to address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risks identified. The draft Plans are scheduled to be made available for public consultation from mid-2016. Following the public consultation process the finalised Plans will include a prioritised list of measures, both structural and non-structural, to address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner.
The Government recently announced increased levels of investment in the area of flood relief as part of the overall Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 and this investment programme will allow for consideration of measures arising from the Flood Risk Management Plans.
