Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Finance if he or his Department have carried out studies in relation to drainage needs or cleaning of watercourses, streams or rivers throughout the country with a view to the alleviation of flooding expected to arise in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10473/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of Public Works is undertaking a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment, as required by the EU Flood Directive, which will identify at a national level areas where there is potential significant risk from flooding. The OPW has also commenced a programme of Flood Risk Assessment and Management studies that will map the areas of the country potentially at risk and will produce for each area of significant risk identified, a plan outlining measures to address the risk, including, if appropriate, maintenance of river channels. The flood maps and proposed risk mitigation measures set out in the plans will take account of climate change scenarios. The studies, which are carried out in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, will meet the requirements of the EU Flood Directive. It is expected that the Flood Risk Assessment and Management programme will be completed within the 2015 deadline set out in that directive. A Flood Risk Assessment and Management study for the Lee catchment in Cork and the Dodder in Dublin will be completed in 2009, while similar studies for the Suir and Fingal-East Meath areas are ongoing. Pending the carrying out of Flood Risk Assessment and Management studies, the OPW has been involved in or funded a number of localised studies aimed at addressing pressing flood problems.