Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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23. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps being taken to address flood risks within the Shannon basin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40404/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study being undertaken by the Office of Public Works is the core strategy for addressing flood risk in the Shannon basin. I am advised that good progress continues to be made on the Study. A total of 66 locations along the Shannon, covering an area of 17,800 square kilometres, have been identified for further assessment under the Study, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW with the involvement of relevant local authorities. A programme of local public consultation days on the draft predictive flood mapping for these locations concluded in April 2015. A national public consultation on the draft flood maps will commence tomorrow, 20November and run until 23December 2015.

Further details on the Shannon CFRAM Study are available on the Study website www.shannoncframstudy.ie. Following the finalisation of the flood mapping and the assessment of appropriate flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated plans containing specific measures to address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risk factors in the Shannon basin.

The Flood Risk Management Plans due to be completed by the end of 2016, will include a prioritised list of measures, both structural and non-structural, to address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner. The Plans will be used to determine national priorities for State investment in flood defences, on a systematic and objective basis that takes into account social and environmental factors as well as economic criteria.

The Office of Public Works also has in place a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. It is open to Councils to submit funding applications under the Scheme or carry out works from their own resources. The Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, . Any application received will be considered in accordance with the eligibility criteria and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.