Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Finance the measures he has taken to prevent a repeat of the 2009 flooding; the assistance that his agencies are providing to local communities to minimise the threat of flooding in the future; if funding is available to support local initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21983/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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The severe flood events of November 2009 were as a result of, in part, unprecedented rainfall events during late October and November. In light of the severe flooding, the Government allocated €68.326m, including €50m for Capital expenditure, to be administered by the Office of Public Works, for flood risk management activities for 2010. This increased allocation will allow OPW to continue with and expand its Programmes for flood relief activities.

Within the overall allocation, there has been an increase for Minor Flood and Coastal Protection Works to be undertaken by Local Authorities in 2010. OPW allocated €6.7m in March this year under the Programme, and a further €3.9m earlier this month to a total of 24 Local Authorities. The application assessment process is continuing, and OPW are liaising with a number of Local Authorities regarding applications in respect of which additional information is required. In addition, it is still open to Local Authorities to make further applications under this Programme, which may be considered, having regard to the overall resources available.

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. Indeed, a Feasibility Study for Bandon, Co Cork has already commenced and may result in a full flood defence scheme for the town. OPW is also continuing to actively pursue potential mitigation measures in a number of other locations where it is envisaged the works would be carried out by OPW's own workforce on behalf of the relevant Local Authorities. All these works are 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. OPW is also in discussions with Dublin City Council with a view to undertaking its first major coastal flooding scheme in Clontarf, Dublin City.

In recognition of the flooding situation countrywide, OPW has profiled expenditure of approximately €300m up to 2014 with expenditure in excess of €200m being profiled on capital works in this period. I am confident that this expenditure under the current work programmes being undertaken by the Office of Public Works will reduce the national level of flood risk to people, infrastructure, businesses and the environment.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Finance if measures are being put in place to prevent the recurrence of flooding in Cork City in the coming winter; the basis for any such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22248/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study for the Lee catchment, a plan of prioritised flood risk mitigation measures was launched earlier this year as a Public Consultation document. The Plan identifies specific viable structural and non-structural options for managing the flood risks within the catchment as a whole and for localised high-risk areas. The period of public consultation for the Plan finished on 30 April 2010. A substantial number of observations were received during the public consultation. These contributions are currently being considered and will be incorporated into the final Plan, as appropriate.

In addition to the measures being pursued through the CFRAM framework, consultants have been appointed to undertake a hydrological and hydraulic review of the November 2009 floods for the Rivers Lee and Owenboy. This review will examine, inter alia, rainfall depths and return periods, flood flow paths, extents and probabilities, with a view to providing an up-to-date model for this catchment. The initial review of the modelling is due to take place in mid-Summer. The OPW understands that the City Council has already carried out surveys of the quay walls. OPW has agreed to fund interim repair works at two locations of Cork Quay Walls. This funding is subject to the invitation of tenders by Cork City Council and will not exceed the sum of €450,000 for each location. An allocation of €318,600 has also been made to Cork County Council for flood mitigation works at Crookstown. It would be open to both the Councils to submit further applications for minor interim works.