Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
250. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study report; when the report will be completed and recommendations implemented; if he will acknowledge the urgency of completion of the report in view of the flooding along the River Shannon in the past week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6760/14]
View answerGood progress is being made by the Office of Public Works working with its consultants Jacobs Engineering, local authorities and other stakeholders to deliver the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM). The CFRAM is taking a strategic approach that recognises the need, in line with international best practice, to move to a more sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to dealing with flooding problems. Work started in January 2011 and is scheduled to be completed in 2016. The Shannon River Basin District covers some 17,800kms2 and includes parts of 17 counties. Under the programme, work on Draft Flood Maps will be finalised during 2014 and Flood Risk Management Plans are due to be completed in 2016. Some draft maps are already available on the project website www.shannoncframstudy.ie.
A key element of the CFRAM programme is public consultation. It is envisaged that the draft flood maps produced under the CFRAM will be brought to formal public consultation in summer/autumn 2014. Informal Public Information Days on the Draft Flood Maps will take place also. These events will be advertised in local press and regular updates will be available on the project website. The draft maps will be finalised following the public consultation phase.
