Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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69. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number and location of identified hotspots in counties Monaghan and Cavan included in the catchment flood risk assessment management programme; the intended address and timeframes regarding each of these; the criteria used in identifying designated hot-spots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2421/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme currently being undertaken Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with its consultants, local authorities and other stakeholders.

The 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) were determined under the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA). In 2011 the OPW completed the PFRA a national screening exercise under the CFRAM Programme, using all available information including:

- reviewing records of floods that happened in the past,

- undertaking analysis to determine which areas might flood in the future, and what the impacts might be,

- site inspections by suitably qualified professionals, and

- consulting with the Local Authorities, other Government departments and agencies and the public.

In relation to County Monaghan, the following locations have been identified as AFAs - Ballybay, Carrickmacross, Inniskeen and Monaghan Town. In County Cavan the AFAs are Ballyconnell and Cavan Town. These AFAs are being assessed as part of the North Western - Neagh Bann CFRAM Study.

The CFRAM Programme involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans.

Public Consultation Days were held in Counties Cavan and Monaghan on the draft flood mapping during February and March 2015 and a further round of local consultation events will be held in the coming months on the preliminary options to manage flood risk. Catchment wide preliminary options will be available at the upcoming public consultation for discussion.

Under the CFRAM Programme, the draft mapping is now being finalised following completion of the national statutory public consultation on 23 December, 2015. Following finalisation of the mapping and the identification of preliminary flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated Flood Risk Management Plans containing specific feasible measures to address significant flood risks identified. The Plans are scheduled to be prepared and published for public consultation in mid 2016. The Plans will set out specific measures to address the significant flood risk factors in a proactive and comprehensive way. The Government announced €430m for capital flood relief works as part of the overall Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021. This increased level of funding will allow for the prioritised investment for the Flood Risk Management Plans over the coming years.

Further information is available on the study website: www.northwestcframstudy.ie.