Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

337. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flood damage to property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33552/14]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is a matter for Kerry County Council, in the first instance, to investigate and address flooding issues in the County. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has no assets in Ballylongford and, therefore, has no direct responsibility in maintaining or improving existing flood defences. However, Ballylongford was identified through the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment as an area where the flood risk was potentially significant. It is therefore designated as an area for which detailed analysis is being carried out under the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study, which the OPW is currently undertaking in partnership with the relevant local authorities including Kerry County Council.

The analysis under the CFRAM project will enable flood maps to be produced in 2014 and the identification of flood risk management options for this area in 2015. There will be public consultation on the draft flood maps within the next couple of months and this will be advertised locally.

Following the significant flood events earlier this year, data collection was undertaken at Ballylongford on flood extents, levels and flood mechanism etc. This information will contribute to calibrating any flood modelling being produced for the town ensuring any future mitigating measures proposed are robust and effective.

If Kerry County Council considers that there are some interim flood protection measures that could be carried out pending the completion of the CFRAM process then it is open to the Council to develop proposals and to submit and application for funding to carry out any such measures under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding. It is also open to local authorities to carry out flood mitigation and coastal protection works using their own resources.