Written answers

Thursday, 21 January 2010

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department alone or with the cooperation of other Departments is willing to carry out a survey of the areas throughout the country that have been the subject to flooding over the past 20 years with a view to carrying out the necessary remedial works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2907/10]

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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For several years, the Office of Public Works has held a significant amount of valuable historical data on flood events occurring nationally over the past century. This data is available on the Flood Hazard Maps website, www.floodmaps.ie.

Following the Review of Flood Policy in 2004, the OPW was assigned lead agency responsibility for the management of flood risk. Central to the policy is a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, which focuses on the assessment of flood risk and the long-term planning of the flood risk management measures throughout the country, including non-structural and structural measures. A constituent part of these risk assessments is reference to records of previous flooding events in each catchment.

The CFRAM Programme is being delivered through the CFRAM Studies, led by the OPW, and undertaken in partnership with local authorities, in consultation with stakeholders and the public. The CFRAM Studies are comprehensive catchment-based studies focused on areas of potentially significant risk, for which detailed flood maps are produced and flood risk management measures are assessed. These measures will be prioritised and set out in a Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP). The CFRAM Programme will, as well as delivering on national policy, meet the requirements of the 2007 EU 'Floods' Directive. The procurement process for the national programme of CFRAM Studies has been initiated, and the studies will commence in 2010.

OPW is also undertaking a number of other flood risk management programmes, including: Flood Hazard Mapping Flood Studies Update Strategic Hydro-Meteorological Review Research and Development

These Programmes will assist in addressing existing and future flood risk by helping to focus on a series of measures regarding sustainable flood prevention, protection and mitigation.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to address the issue of flooding of residential properties throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2908/10]

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Since the introduction of the Arterial Drainage Amendment Act, 1995, allowing the Office of Public Works to undertake urban flood relief projects to protect residential properties and businesses, approximately €200 million has been invested on capital projects in the intervening years, with over €112 million spent in the last five years alone. Since 2003, OPW have completed schemes in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, Kilkenny City, Leixlip, Co. Kildare and on the River Dodder in Counties Meath and Dublin.

OPW has currently profiled expenditure in excess of €200 million on about fifteen major capital schemes from now to 2014, with a Budget allocation for 2010 of €50million. 2010 will see the first phases of major schemes being completed in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ennis, Co. Clare, Waterford City and Fermoy, Co. Cork. Construction works will continue in 2010 on Schemes at Mornington, Co. Meath and the River Dodder in Dublin. It is also planned to commence construction of the second phases of schemes in Clonmel, Mallow and Ennis in the first half of 2010, along with the scheme planned for Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

While these schemes are at construction, the detailed design and procurement processes for civil engineering contractors for the second phases of schemes in Waterford City and Fermoy will continue. Other major schemes, which will be progressed through detailed design and procurement processes in 2010, include Arklow and Bray, both in Co. Wicklow. In addition to all these schemes, it is hoped to commence construction on the main Drainage Scheme in Carlow Town, which includes a flood defence scheme for which OPW is providing funding.

All these schemes form the core of the investment planned over the next five years. In parallel with the major schemes being progressed, a Minor Flood and Coastal Protection Works Programme was initiated in 2009 where OPW are providing funding for minor, localised flood relief work to be undertaken by local authorities. An initial amount of €6m has been allocated for this in 2010. This will be reviewed when all applications have been received from local authorities.

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