Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The OPW has mapped areas and I accept it has not created any new flood risk areas. Perhaps it has put down on paper what is considered a 100-year or 1,000-year event. The maps are a good thing. However, they have worked their way into county development plans causing difficulties, correctly so in some areas, for planning applications. The maps have had a far greater impact than people appreciated. A 1,000-year event is now included on these maps. I have encountered instances where banks have been unwilling to advance mortgages in areas and towns where the local people have no recollection of flooding in the past 100 years. Now the OPW has recorded flood risks on its maps even though it is a 1,000-year event. Some banks are nervous about the risk of flooding. The maps have been positive but there have been downsides for the citizens. Some of the 1,000-year events are based on hearsay and colloquialism. I have seen instances where such details on a development plan have been challenged and removed. The NRA is consulted about planning applications if a flood risk affects a national route. Do local authorities consult legally the OPW about planning applications in areas that the OPW has identified in its maps as flood risk areas? What is the OPW's view on the matter?