Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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80. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will examine how preventative measures to address the increased risk of coastal flooding can incorporate features that also deliver positive environmental benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18079/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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In 2018, the OPW completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State to identify those communities that are at risk from significant flood events. The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme and the subsequent Flood Risk Management Plans has provided the roadmap for the Government’s investment in flood relief schemes.

€1.3 billion has been committed over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in threatened communities from river and coastal flood risk. Today, work by the OPW is complete or underway to deliver protection to 80% of properties assessed to be at risk, with further schemes planned. When all schemes are completed, 95% of assessed properties will be protected from future flooding from river and coastal flood risk.

Climate change will have a significant impact on flooding risk and events across Ireland. The OPW’s Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management 2019 – 2024 sets out a number of actions to address these challenges.

All new flood relief schemes are designed to take account of climate change and plans are being developed for the adaptation of existing schemes.

In addition, the development of flood relief schemes now involves a specific requirement to assess the potential for nature-based solutions as part of the overall solution to managing flood risk for a particular community. Where feasible, these measures will be implemented to reduce flood risk and contribute to achieving co-benefits, including water quality, biodiversity and public amenities. Upstream retention is a feature of a number of recently completed or planned flood relief schemes, such as Clonakilty, and also on the Wad and Poddle rivers in Dublin.

The OPW’s Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026 sets out opportunities where enhancement or restoration for biodiversity benefit can be used as part of the solution to flooding and drainage issues.