Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to address the River Shannon catchment flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5047/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) had planned to, and is commissioning consultants to carry out a Flood Risk Assessment and Management (FRAM) Study of the River Shannon catchment. The study is expected to commence by mid-2010, and a draft long-term Flood Risk Management Plan will be produced by the end of 2014.

The OPW will lead the Shannon FRAM, but will undertake the study in partnership with the Local Authorities, and will involve all stakeholders in assessing the issues, constraints and objectives, and in developing solutions. The recent flooding in the Shannon catchment will provide extensive data, and assist in identifying the areas where the study will focus its attentions. Further public and stakeholder consultations will take place at all stages throughout the study.

Pending the carrying out of the FRAM study, the OPW is working with the relevant Local Authorities to bring forward interim measures to address localised flood problems in the Shannon region. The OPW has recently invited applications from Local Authorities for funding for minor flood mitigation works or studies that the Authorities propose to undertake in 2010, under a scheme initiated last year.

In view of the widespread flooding throughout County Galway in 2009, a Joint Working Group was set up by OPW and Galway County Council to assist in the identification and implementation of minor flood mitigation measures in the County, including the Shannon area. At its first meeting, the Working Group identified an initial list of specific locations that they will focus their attention on. They also agreed to review the findings of a previous report on flooding in South Galway in light of the recent flooding there.

My Office will continue to work with the Local Authorities with a view to ensuring that viable proposals for minor flood mitigation works in the Shannon catchment will be progressed as quickly as possible, subject to overall availability of resources.