Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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143. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to produce a flood alleviation, defence and prevention plan, in the short term, to deal with possible flood issues arising next winter and over the longer term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18776/16]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Local flooding issues are matters for the local authority concerned to investigate and address in the first instance and it is open to them to carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Local Authorities may apply to the OPW for funding having regard to cost benefit eligibility criteria. Application forms are available on the OPW’s website under Flood Risk Management and decisions are made having regard to the overall availability of funding for flood risk management and are assessed on a case by case basis. This administrative Scheme’s eligibility criteria, including cost benefit requirements, are published on the OPW website; www.opw.ie.

Good progress is being made on the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities. The Programme involves the production of predictive flood partnership with the local authorities. The Programme involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each Area for Further Assessment (AFA), the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans.

The draft flood mapping is now being finalised following completion of the national statutory public consultation on 23rd December 2015. Work on the development of preliminary options to address flood risk is underway. Following finalisation of the mapping and the identification of flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated Flood Risk Management Plans containing specific measures to address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risks identified. The draft Plans are scheduled to be made available for public consultation from mid-2016. Following the public consultation process the finalised Plans 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 Government recently announced increased levels of investment in the area of flood relief as part of the overall Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 and this investment programme will allow for consideration of measures arising from the Flood Risk Management Plans.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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144. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18768/16]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The River Flesk, which flows through the area mentioned, does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme which would fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act. The OPW therefore has no responsibility for the maintenance of this river or any bridges crossing it.

Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Kerry County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The Office of Public Works operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This administrative Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie. It is open to the Council to submit a funding application under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the overall availability of resources for flood risk management and the scheme's eligibility criteria.