Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to address the summer flooding in the Shannon Callows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5413/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware of the on-going 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 Office of Public Works has assigned significant resources to this programme and it is intended that contracts to engage consultants to complete the programme by the end of 2015 will be in place by end 2011.

Jacobs International have been appointed as consultants to undertake a Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study for the River Shannon. The first principal reporting stage of this study will be the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment which is required to be reported on at EU level by 22 December 2011 as set out in the EU Floods Directive. The outcome of this assessment will be presented to the local authorities within the River Shannon catchment prior to that.

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 in the catchment.

I will continue to review the efficacy of any interim measures, to assist in mitigating flood impacts, in the Callows area which may be pursued in advance of the completion of the Shannon CFRAM study.

In parallel with the commissioning of the CFRAM study for the River Shannon, the OPW continues to liaise with Waterways Ireland and the ESB to review water management protocols for the major storage areas in the Shannon system.