Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Finance the targets he has set for flood prevention measures following flooding in November 2009; the progress he has made on these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45320/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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In the aftermath of the November 2009 floods which hit the country, the Government allocated €50 million for flood risk management activities for 2010, which is administered by the Office of Public Works. This allocation, which was an increase of 16% over the 2009 allocation, will, in the long term, allow OPW to extend the number of Capital Works schemes already targeted and underway throughout the country. Major flood relief schemes have continued to be implemented in Mallow and Fermoy, Co Cork, Clonmel Co Tipperary, Ennis Co Clare, Mornington Co Meath, Waterford City, Carlow Town, Johnstown Co Kildare, and in Dublin along the River Dodder.

In addition to schemes at construction, OPW has continued the development of flood relief schemes in Arklow and Bray Co Wicklow, Templemore Co Tipperary, and Clontarf in Dublin, some of these having been advanced in association with the relevant local authorities. As a direct result of last November's floods OPW has commenced studies in Bandon and the Lower Lee area in Co Cork, and Claregalway Co Galway, as well as funding a study for Skibbereen being undertaken by Cork County Council and funding of the detailed design for a scheme on the Dunkellin Co Galway by Galway County Council. OPW will also commence design work in areas including Carrigaline, Midleton and Ballymakeera in the next two months.

The increased allocation has allowed OPW to increase the funding to Local Authorities under the Minor Works Programme. This Programme, which I first introduced in 2009, targets minor or small-scale flood defence works undertaken directly by Local Authorities. Under the programme, a total of €16 million has so far been approved for local authorities for works and studies this year (including minor works executed by the OPW), and further applications for funding are being received and assessed on an ongoing and rolling basis. In total, approximately 170 small-scale projects in 23 counties have been approved for funding. In allocating the funds, my Office continues to concentrate on areas, where there is a substantial risk to human life, property and infrastructure.

In addition to the Capital and Minor Works OPW is committed to the programme for the production and completion of Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans (CFRAMS) and associated flood mapping for all national catchments. The Lee CFRAM has already been published, followed by a major consultation process. This established approach is being extended to all major catchments in Ireland. This process will mean additional targets for OPW which will be included in multi-annual budgets as the various recommendations arise in the coming years.