Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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279. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the North Quay, Drogheda, will be included in the proposed flood relief works in County Louth; if flood relief works in Dunleer, County Louth, will be carried out (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1303/18]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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290. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of remedial works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1730/18]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 290 together.

I have been advised that the Office of Public Works (OPW) approved funding of €58,500 in 2015 under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme to Louth County Council for a detailed flood study for Dunleer, Co Louth which was completed in 2016.

I understand that Louth County Council is currently preparing a further application for funding to submit under the OPW’s Minor Works scheme to enable it to carry out further work to develop the options for the areas at risk identified in the flood study report.

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 are now being finalised taking account of all observations and comments received as part of the statutory public consultation on the Draft Plans. The OPW is on track to finalise the Flood Risk Management Plans, in early 2018, for approval by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.

Drogheda is an Area of Further Assessment under the Eastern CFRAM Study area and includes the area of the North Quay. The proposed CFRAM Plan for Drogheda include such physical works as a series of hard defences (flood embankments and walls) along the River Boyne together with improvement of conveyance and a flow diversion channel on various tributaries. Some sealing of manholes and localised raising of roads is also proposed, as are automated defences to allow continued operation of port activities.

The CFRAM Flood Risk Management Plan for Drogheda proposes to progress the project-level development and assessment of the Flood Relief Scheme which will including environmental assessment as necessary, further public consultation for refinement and preparation for planning and, if and as appropriate, implementation.