The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme is currently being undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with its consultants, local authorities and other stakeholders, in line with national flood policy and the EU Directive (2007/EC/60). The six studies in the current Programme are assessing flood risk in 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) deemed to be at potentially significant risk and have produced detailed draft predictive Flood Maps which will be finalised following the conclusion of public consultation. Under the Programme, preliminary flood risk management options will be identified and Flood Risk Management Plans prepared and published. The Plans will set out specific measures to address the significant flood risk factors in a proactive and comprehensive way.
The CFRAM Programme will be used to determine national priorities for future State investment in flood defences. The Flood Risk Management Plans will provide the information to estimate the associated costs to implement these measures. An estimate of the total cost is not available at this stage.