Written answers

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Flood Relief

9:00 pm

Photo of Ulick BurkeUlick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to alleviate potential flooding reoccurring in south Galway; the funds he is providing for these works; his instructions to sections in his Department who have previously had objections to any projects to prevent flooding; if his attention has been drawn to the destruction to wild life, fauna and flora by the recent flooding; if he has investigated the damage since these floods have receded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2386/10]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Office of Public Works has responsibility for flood risk assessment and major flood relief works. Funding for such works are provided by the OPW.

Following recent flooding in Co. Galway, a joint Office of Public Works/ Galway County Council Working Group was set up and is tasked with arranging for the collection of flood level data, assessing the damage caused by the flooding, and identifying interim flood mitigation measures.

At its first meeting in December 2009, the Group produced an initial action programme. This includes a review of the final recommendations in the 1997 South Galway Flood Report in the light of the recent flooding with a view to identifying whether flood risk in this area has significantly changed from the previous flood event. There will be ongoing examination by the Group of individual areas to identify possible local flood relief measures.

Under a scheme initiated last year, Local Authorities can seek funding from the OPW for minor flood mitigation measures that they propose to undertake in 2010. If minor works are identified for locations in South Galway, and these works are considered acceptable, economically and environmentally, I understand that the OPW will consider putting Galway County Council in funds, having regard to general availability of resources. Where appropriate, the OPW may itself carry out mitigation works on behalf of the Council.

In mid-2010, the OPW will commission the Shannon Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study to identify the level of flood risk throughout the catchment and produce a prioritised plan of measures to deal with significant areas of risk in a comprehensive and integrated way.

Flood relief works and projects, like any development, must adhere to the requirements of relevant national and EU legislation. Many of our rivers are designated for nature protection under national and EU law. They contain valuable habitats, species and fisheries that are legally protected. The law requires that any plan or project that could have a significant impact on these sites be assessed for possible adverse effects. Some works may also be subject to broader environmental impact assessment. It should be expected that proposed flood alleviation projects are appropriately assessed to ensure that unintended negative consequences can be avoided. My Department advises relevant authorities such as the OPW and local authorities on how such works can be undertaken in compliance with the legal requirements.

My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service has a presence throughout the State and will monitor any lasting adverse impacts that the flooding has had on protected species and habitats in these areas.

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