Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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363. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has approved the draft CFRAMS for the eastern region; if he has set up a framework of consultants to carry out the studies recommended in the finalised report; his plans to carry out further studies on flooding at Hazelhatch, Celbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25533/17]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding, is the OPW's Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. It is the principal vehicle for implementing the EU Floods Directive and national flood policy. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, 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.

The Flood Risk Management Plans (including the Eastern CFRAM) are now being finalised taking account of all observations and comments received as part of the statutory public consultation on the Draft Plans. The Flood Risk Management Plans will then be submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for his approval.

Pending finalisation of the Flood Risk Management Plans, the Office of Public Works is in the process of putting in place frameworks for Engineering and Environmental Consultancy Services. These frameworks will facilitate the appointment of consultants for individual projects to develop outline measures proposed in the FRMPs through more detailed engineering design and environmental assessment to the delivery of Flood Risk Management Projects.

The CFRAM Programme that studied the fluvial flood risk, identified that there are likely to be other flooding sources at Hazelhatch. These are to be the subject of a further study, including data collection and an assessment to identity any feasible option to manage the existing flood risk.