Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans in place to implement a long-term strategy to prevent future flood damage in Dublin city, particularly in areas affected recently when the Camac and Poddle rivers burst their banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35738/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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1The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently undertaking the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme which is designed to identify and assess areas, both coastal and inland, at risk of significant flooding. The purpose of the Programme is to:

- produce detailed flood mapping in order to identify and map the existing and potential future flood hazard and risk areas;

- build the strategic information base necessary for making informed decisions in relation to managing flood risk; and

- identify viable structural and non-structural measures and options for managing the flood risks for localised high-risk areas both coastal and inland.

There are three main stages in the Programme and a suite of documents will be produced for public consultation at each stage:

2011 - Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (The public consultation stage of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment was concluded on 1st November, 2011);

2013 - Flood Hazard Mapping; and

2015 - Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans.

Engineering Consultants RPS have been engaged to undertake the Eastern CFRAM Study. This is currently underway and will cover the rivers Camac and Poddle. Dublin City area will be covered by this CFRAM study in conjunction with the Dodder CFRAM study, which is nearing completion.

Pluvial flooding due to blocked or under capacity urban storm water drains is the responsibility of Dublin City Council. The OPW, in association with Dublin City Council, has undertaken a number of flood relief works in Dublin in the last number of years. This has included such major schemes as the completed River Tolka Flood Relief Scheme and the ongoing works on the River Dodder. OPW has also funded the development of several other schemes including the Clontarf Flood Defence Scheme and the proposed South Campshire works.

It is open to Dublin City Council to submit a funding application to this Office under the Minor Flood Mitigation works Scheme. Any application received will be considered having regard to the scheme eligibility criteria and the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.