Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to address the summer flooding in the Shannon basin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17103/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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As stated in response to the Deputy's question of 10 March 2010, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has commenced a national programme of catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management studies, which will lead to the development of comprehensive Flood Risk Assessment and Management plans for areas of significant flood risk. The OPW will initiate the appointment of consultants to undertake the Shannon FRAM in Summer 2010. The summer flooding of the Shannon Callows between Portumna and Athlone will be specifically examined in this study to reflect the social and environmental damage, which it causes to the catchment.

In the interim, OPW will engage with key local stakeholders to identify any meaningful interim measures, which would help reduce the incidence or impact of summer flooding. The OPW will engage with Waterways Ireland and the ESB to identify if changes to the management protocols of the major storage areas in the Shannon system, combined with timely use of meteorological and hydrological information, would mitigate seasonal flooding. The OPW will also consider any applications from the relevant Local Authorities for funding from its minor flood mitigation works scheme that meet the criteria of that scheme.