Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which any assessment has been completed with a view to identifying areas of potential flooding which could be remedied by way of improved drainage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29671/15]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently undertaking a comprehensive programme of assessment for 300 mainly urban Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) across all national river catchments through the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The AFAs were selected following a national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment in 2011. Under the CFRAM Programme, detailed flood mapping is being produced in order to identify and map the existing and potential future flood hazards and risks in each AFA following which Flood Risk Management Plans will be prepared and published.
The investigation of localised flooding problems is a matter for local authorities in the first instance. It is open to local authorities to undertake flood mitigation works using their own resources. It is also open to local authorities to submit an application for funding for mitigation measures under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The Scheme applies to small scale non-maintenance type projects estimated to cost no more than €500,000 in each instance, and where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short timeframe. The commencement and progression of approved projects are a matter for the local authority concerned.
To date funding of over €30m has been allocated to 33 city and county councils for over 450 flood mitigation and coastal protection projects throughout the country. Of the total funding allocated under the Scheme, to date the OPW has allocated out over €25m to local authorities for projects, which have provided protection to a significant number of residential and commercial properties.
OPW has been allocated a total of €225m for Flood Risk Management for the period 2012 - 2016. In the period 2011-2014, OPW expended over €175m on Flood Risk Management. The allocation provided has allowed OPW to continue to progress its current programmes including major flood relief schemes, the Minor Works & Coastal Protection Scheme and the CFRAM Programme.
Where a drainage scheme is carried out under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, the OPW has responsibility for maintenance of the completed scheme. The average cycle of maintenance takes place once every five years. This work is carried out to ensure that the State's investment in the Arterial Drainage schemes continues to provide the intended benefits. Expenditure on this programme is approximately €15 million per annum.
Drainage Districts are areas where drainage schemes to improve land for agricultural purposes were constructed prior to the 1945 Act. The duty of maintenance for these lies with the Local Authorities concerned.
Matters pertaining to flood risk from urban drainage systems are the responsibility of the Local Authorities concerned.
It should be noted that for watercourses falling outside of the OPW and Local Authority areas of responsibility, private landowners generally have responsibility for the maintenance of these.
