James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will engage with local authorities and residents in the carrying out of flood alleviation measures, such as opening sluice gates as required and approve and fund all urgent minor flood relief measures identified in various localities to relieve hardship pending full strategies being put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33933/12]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I assure the Deputy that the Office of Public Works engages with local authorities and the general public in relation to flood alleviation measures on an ongoing basis. For minor flood relief measures, it is open to local authorities to submit funding applications to the Office of Public Works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme, the purpose of which is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake measures to address small-scale localised flooding problems within their administrative areas, for which straightforward solutions can be identified and implemented within a short timeframe. Any application received will be considered having regard to the scheme eligibility criteria and the overall availability of resources for flood risk management. In carrying out its large scale flood relief schemes, the OPW engages fully with local authorities and members of the public during the planning and construction phases of the projects by means of project steering groups, formal consultations with the general public and direct liaison with property owners, as appropriate. In relation to the strategy to address flooding issues on a longer-term basis, the Office of Public Works is continuing to progress the programme of Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) studies, in accordance with the EU Floods Directive. The studies will recommend an integrated management plan and prioritised measures to address flood problems in areas where there is significant risk in each major catchment in the country. The local authorities are closely involved in the CFRAM process and there will be public consultation at all the key stages during the studies.