Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will expedite the implementation of the EU flood directive; the timetable for its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14826/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Floods Directive came into force in November 2007.

It requires member States to bring into force laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with it before 26th November 2009. The transposition of the Directive will be led by OPW.

The Directive requires that Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments be completed before 22nd December 2011, for each river basin or unit of management to provide an assessment of potential flood risks. The Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment is to be reviewed and if necessary updated by 22nd December 2018 and every six years thereafter.

It requires the preparation of Flood Hazard Maps and Flood Risk Maps by 22nd December 2013, in respect of those areas for which it is concluded in the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment, that potential significant flood risks exist or might be considered likely to occur. The Flood Hazard and Flood Risk Maps are to be reviewed and if necessary updated by 22nd December 2019 and every six years thereafter.

The Directive further requires that Flood Risk Management Plans be prepared by 22nd December 2015 in respect of those areas for which it is concluded in the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment, that potential significant flood risks exist or might be considered likely to occur. The Flood Risk Management Plans are to be reviewed and if necessary updated by 22nd December 2021 and every six years thereafter.

The Directive will be implemented by the OPW in cooperation with Local Authorities and other State bodies.

The requirements of the Directive align closely with the National Flood Risk Management strategy that was adopted in 2004. As part of this strategy, the OPW published on the internet in 2006 maps and records of actual flood events. Maps showing predicted flood extent areas will be produced as part of a programme of flood risk management studies initiated under the strategy. A pilot study that will produce a Flood Risk Management Plan for the Lee catchment is currently well advanced and similar studies are underway for the Suir and Dodder catchments.

Data necessary for the preliminary flood risk assessment required by the Directive is being acquired by OPW at present.

I am confident that these measures will be completed within the timescales set in the Directive.