Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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319. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the financial support that will be given to Dublin City Council to address the potential risk of flooding around the River Naniken in Dublin North-East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8008/14]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that the River Naniken is conveyed by way of a culvert for a substantial part of its entire length and forms an integral part of the urban storm drainage system. I understand that the flooding problem in question is due to the inadequacy of the surface water drainage infrastructure in the area and the responsibility for addressing this problem rests with Dublin City Council not with the Office of Public Works (OPW). I understand also that any capital investment by DCC to address the flooding problem in this location would have to be economically viable and acceptable from a cost/benefit point of view.

The Office of Public Works is not in a position to provide financial assistance to Dublin City Council to address this issue as the OPW has no responsibility in relation to funding of drainage infrastructure.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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320. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the implementation of the 2005 Royal Haskoning report on flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8009/14]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Dublin City Council commissioned the study referred to, the Dublin Coastal Flooding Protection Project Study, in 2005 with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The Study examined the causes and impacts of flooding in the area from Portmarnock on the northern side of the City to Booterstown on the Southern side.

The main aims of the Study were to:

- Undertake a strategic examination of the risk to Dublin and Fingal from coastal flooding

- Identify appropriate strategies and policies to combat and manage that risk

- Identify options to reduce and/or manage the risk and to identify any capital funding required to deliver on the recommended strategy

- Specify an early warning system for coastal flooding.

Some of the recommendations have since been carried out by Dublin City Council with funding from the OPW, including the flood relief works on the River Tolka and Spencer Dock. Significant works have also been undertaken on the River Dodder with the tidal section now almost completed and further works underway in the area up to Ballsbridge. It is also understood that the City Council intend to commence flood defence works on the South Campshires on the River Liffey later this year.

The City Council has also undertaken some works in the Sandymount area with longer term works to be investigated later this year. It is understood that works are also to be carried out near the Bull Island Causeway later in 2014.

As the Deputy will be aware, Dublin City Council developed a flood relief scheme for Clontarf but it was rejected by the public. It is understood that discussions are ongoing with local residents and businesses before new proposals can be developed. Progression of any further measures recommended in the report would be a matter for the Council in the first instance.

A tidal surge forecasting system has been developed for the Dublin Bay area and is operated jointly by Dublin City Council & Met Éireann. It is worth noting that Dublin City recorded its highest tide ever on 3^rd January 2014 and had very minimal damages, as a result of works undertaken, compared to a similar tide in February 2002 which flooded over 1250 buildings and caused over €60 million in damages.