Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

287. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a review of the CFRAM plans affecting an area (details supplied) has been carried out with particular reference to new residential sites the drainage of which may be affected by various developments with potential to negatively impact upon house insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16679/18]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, has involved 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 focused 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. These Plans have been submitted by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for his approval and are expected to be launch in May.

The areas referred to by the Deputy was assessed, using detailed engineering analysis and extensive public consultation as part of the Eastern CFRAM Study. This consultation included observations from the relevant local authority. The flood risk for the area is assessed by the CFRAM Programme as being relatively low. The OPW is continuing to monitor the flood risk for this and all areas assessed under the CFRAM Programme. The OPW flood maps cannot be used for commercial purposes, including insurance.

Planning decisions are a matter for the relevant planning authorities and are informed by the 2009 Guidelines on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management, developed by the OPW and Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government.