Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Finance the action that has taken place in the period since November 2009 to address the issue of flooding in various areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16263/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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In light of the severe flooding which affected the country in November 2009 the Government has allocated €50m, administered by the Office of Public Works, for flood risk management activities for 2010. This increased allocation will allow OPW to extend the number of Capital Works schemes already underway throughout the country. Within the overall allocation, I have also announced an increase for Minor Flood and Coastal Protection Works to be undertaken by Local Authorities in 2010. OPW has already allocated €6.7M to Local Authorities this year under the Programme, and it is still open to Local Authorities to make further submissions which can be considered having regard to available resources.

OPW has undertaken a rigorous collection of data and information since the November 2009 floods, and has already met with several local authorities to review the flood events of November 2009 and identify actions required. This has already led to a Feasibility Study to be undertaken in Bandon, Co Cork, with works being considered for advancement in County Galway as well. Further consideration is being given to other areas which may also lead to works being undertaken by OPW, in addition to the major schemes already under construction in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Mallow Co Cork, Fermoy Co Cork, Ennis Co Clare, Mornington Co Meath and the River Dodder in Dublin, and the schemes at various stages of development which include Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Templemore, Co. Tipperary, Bray and Arklow, Co. Wicklow amongst others.

The Deputy may be interested to know that OPW has agreed to allocate funding to complete a programme of flood alleviation works in the Johnstown area, and Kildare County Council has been successful in obtaining planning approval in accordance with Part 8 of the planning and development regulations for this scheme. It is envisaged that the scheme will get underway later this year subject to the Local Authority being able to resolve outstanding issues in relation to land acquisition and site investigation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his Department in conjunction with other Departments have finalised plans for the prevention of flooding in the future; the financial structure in place to meet such requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16269/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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As lead agency in the management of flood risk nationally, the Office of Public Works has focused on a catchment-based context for managing flood risk, with more proactive risk assessment and management, and increased use of non-structural and flood impact mitigation measures. A comprehensive consultation process with all relevant stakeholders is a constituent part of flood risk assessment programme. Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Studies (CFRAMS) and their product - Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans (CFRMP) - are at the core of this national policy for flood risk management and the strategy for its implementation. This policy is in line with international best practice and the requirements of the EU Floods Directive.

The OPW has been appointed as the national competent authority under the EU Floods Directive, and as such will act the principal coordinator in the production of CFRMP for all national river catchments which are due to be submitted to the EU by 2015. In advance of the completion of the CFRMP, OPW will continue to invest significant funds in terms of flood relief activities, capital works, drainage maintenance and hydrometric activities

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has received a response from the EU towards flood damage costs arising from the flooding of November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16270/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department made an application to the EU Commission on 27th January 2010 for funding under the EU Solidarity Fund based on estimates of damage received from Departments and local authorities. The application was formally acknowledged by the Commission on 24th February 2010. The EU Solidarity Fund does not fund full reconstruction nor does it fund prevention works. It funds emergency operations to allow a rapid return to normal living conditions.

A regional application was made as the estimate of the extent of the damage does not meet the Solidarity Fund's threshold of 0.6% of GNI or 935.5m euro for a national disaster. There are specific criteria which must be met to ensure a successful regional application to the EU Solidarity Fund. These criteria include the majority of the population of the region being affected by the disaster and serious and long lasting effects on the region's economic stability and living conditions. My Department continues to work with the Commission on finalising the costs underpinning the application.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Finance the extent, if any, to which he has sought or received notification from the EU institutions regarding proposals in respect of flood prevention and alleviation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16271/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the application made by my Department to the EU Commission on 27th January 2010 for funding under the EU Solidarity Fund based on estimates of damage received from Departments and local authorities following the flooding in November 2009. The application was formally acknowledged by the Commission on 24th February 2010. The EU Solidarity Fund does not fund full reconstruction nor does it fund prevention works. It funds emergency operations to allow a rapid return to normal living conditions.

A regional application was made as the estimate of the extent of the damage does not meet the Solidarity Fund's threshold of 0.6% of GNI or 935.5m euro for a national disaster. There are specific criteria which must be met to ensure a successful regional application to the EU Solidarity Fund. These criteria include the majority of the population of the region being affected by the disaster and serious and long lasting effects on the region's economic stability and living conditions. My Department continues to work with the Commission on finalising the costs underpinning the application.