Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, unilaterally or in conjunction and consultation with other relevant Departments he intends or expects to initiate, participate or co-operate in a structured national plan to address the issue of flooding at various locations throughout the country that have previously been the subject matter of correspondence with his Department and with other Departments from local communities; if his attention has been drawn to the existence of European Union support funds for simple remedial works that can have the effect of preventing and alleviating flooding now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2617/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The need to deal in a proactive manner with the issue of flood risk was recognised by the Review of Flood Policy agreed by Government in 2004. Following the Review, the Office of Public Works was assigned Lead Agency responsibility for the management of flood risk. In this regard, I understand that the OPW is commencing Flood Risk Studies with a view to the preparation of Catchment Flood Assessment and Management Plans. The role of my Department, where there is serious flooding, is to ensure that the local authorities are prepared to respond promptly to ameliorate the worst effects in relation to those aspects which they have direct responsibility.

In this regard local authorities act in co-operation with other Principal Response Agencies - an Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive - and the voluntary agencies and the Defence Forces to limit the effects on individuals whose lives may be put at risk or who may be exposed to serious hardship. The main concern is that effective emergency plans are in place based on the Framework for Major Emergency Management approved by Government in 2006.

The management of the emergency response then falls to the local authorities and the other response agencies. In relation to assistance from the European Union Solidarity Fund towards the cost of damage arising from the flooding, this is a matter for consideration by the Department of Finance.