Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Finance the reason he has failed to implement the EU Flood Risk Directive, the deadline for which expired on 26 November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43961/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risk is primarily concerned with the assessment and management of flood risks, with the aim of reducing adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity associated with floods in the European Community.

There is a strong degree of alignment between the recommendations of the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group of 2004 and the requirements of the EU Floods Directive. The outputs from the flood mapping and Flood Risk Assessment and Management studies programme, which commenced on foot of the national flood policy, adopted by Government in 2004, will also satisfy the requirements of the Floods Directive. Accordingly, the process of implementing the flood risk assessment programmes under national policy is taking place in conjunction with the transposition of the Floods Directive into Irish law.

It is expected that the transposition of the Floods Directive will be completed in the very near future and it is understood that this timing is in concert with many of the other member states.