Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Finance if a management programme will be put in place to minimise future flood risk in the Shannon region on foot of its flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45140/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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To facilitate planning for the management of future flood risk, OPW has embarked on a programme of Catchment Flood Risk Assessments, since being assigned lead agency responsibilities in 2004, following the Review of Flood Policy. These studies, which are required by the National Flood Policy and the EU Floods Directive, are designed to identify the areas at risk from flood events for a range of severities and to produce a prioritised plan of measures for dealing with areas where the risk is significant. The Shannon study is expected to commence in mid-2010.

Pending completion of the Study for the Shannon Catchment, OPW, through the minor works scheme, will work with the relevant Local Authorities to identify areas that may benefit from interim localised mitigation measures. The planning and development process is critical to avoid the creation of further flood risk. OPW, with the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Agriculture, developed the 'Guidelines on the Management of Flood Risk in Planning and Development'. This document was launched jointly by my colleague, Minister John Gormley and myself earlier this week.