Flood Risk Assessments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Questions (347)

Seán Fleming

Question:

347. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of work under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment Management Systems in respect of rivers (details supplied) in County Laois; when updated plans will be available and published that the public can act upon in view of the fact that many of the areas listed as liable to flooding are not based on scientific or accurate information; when this matter will be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33173/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Mountrath was identified through the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) as a location where flood risk was potentially significant. It is therefore designated as an Area for Further Assessment (AFA) and a detailed assessment is being carried out under the South Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study. The Office of Public Works is currently undertaking this in partnership with the relevant local authorities including Laois County Council.

Draft flood maps are currently being produced and there will be public consultation days in Mountrath and other AFAs in the South Eastern CFRAM Study area during the coming months to allow interested parties and members of the public to provide their observations. These will be advertised locally and on the Study website. The next phase in the CFRAM Study will be the options assessment process. Following that, Flood Risk Management Plans will be prepared. Further information and updates on the South Eastern CFRAM Study are available on www.southeastcframstudy.ie.