Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether the dredging of rivers would have prevented the severity of flooding which has struck here in November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44039/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Available information indicates that the widespread flooding that occurred in recent weeks was caused mainly by unusually prolonged heavy rainfall, which exceeded the conveyance capacity of rivers and drainage infrastructure.

The OPW implements a maintenance programme in respect of the channels for which the Office has a statutory maintenance responsibility. It is the opinion of the OPW that, in respect of these channels, while this programme of maintenance contributes to the moderation of flooding, the contribution would not have had a significant impact on the recent unprecedented level of flooding. Local and other authorities have responsibility for maintaining other channels, as do private landowners.