James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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298. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the recent change in flood risk assessment (details supplied) for Johnstownbridge, County Kildare will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16071/18]

Kevin 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 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.

Johnstownbridge in County Kildare was assessed, using detailed engineering analysis and extensive public consultation as part of the Eastern CFRAM Study. This consultation included observations from Kildare County Council. The flood risk for Johnstownbridge 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.