Written answers

Tuesday, 6 March 2018

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme

Photo of Kevin O'KeeffeKevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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69. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the action plan deriving from the national river basin management plan will be put in place (details supplied) [10692/18]

Photo of Kevin  MoranKevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. 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 CFRAM Programme is focussing on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, designated in 2012 as being at potentially significant risk of flooding. The flood risk for each of these areas has been assessed, through detailed engineering techniques to assess their risk and impact from flooding. This risk and the proposed feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, identified to manage that risk are outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans.

The area referred to by the Deputy is an AFA and is being assessed by the South Western CFRAM Study. A proposed measure has been identified for the area in question, namely to progress the project level development and assessment of a Flood Relief Scheme, including environmental assessment as necessary and further public consultation, for refinement and preparation for planning/exhibition and, if and as appropriate, implementation.

In summer 2017, the OPW finalised all Plans and each Plan was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for an independent review of the environmental assessments. Having now received the outcomes of the independent review of the environmental assessments for the Flood Risk Management Plans, the Commissioners of Public Works will in the coming weeks submit the Flood Risk Management Plans to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for approval, in accordance with the statutory requirements.

The final Plans, approved measures and national programme for implementation will be announced after the Plans have been approved.

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