Vol. 559 No. 1
103 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the study which the Office of Public Works intends to make into the causes of the increased level of severe flooding experienced over recent years; the steps, in particular, it intends to take to deal with severe flooding in the Tolka catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25557/02]
On 27 November 2002, I announced that I was arranging for a major review of national flooding policy to be carried out. The purpose of the review is to assess the extent of the problem countrywide, clarify roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved and to recommend practical action to deal with flooding. The review will be carried out by a group representing the major stakeholders – Office of Public Works, Departments of Finance and the Environment and Local Government, local authorities, IBEC and the IFA. The review group will receive submissions from, and consult with, a further wide range of relevant bodies.
At the request of Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works has already undertaken some emergency works on the Tolka to protect some dwellings from subsidence. The council has also undertaken some works in the area since the recent flooding. As the Deputy will be aware Dublin City Council, at the request of Office of Public Works, agreed to include a detailed study of the River Tolka in the greater Dublin strategic drainage study. The study is being funded by the Office of Public Works and is expected to be completed in May 2003.
Following the recent flooding the consultants were requested to produce an interim report on what immediate measures could be taken to alleviate flooding in the worst affected areas. The report is currently being studied by officials of Dublin City Council and Office of Public Works and a meeting has been arranged between the council and my officials for the 16 December 2002 to progress the matter.
