Flood Relief Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Questions (715)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

715. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if direct consultation will be carried out with the residents of the affected area on the eastern CFRAM study, River Liffey from city boundary at Knockmaroon Hill to the Liffey Valley Park, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, prior to the adoption or imposition of any measures in the area to allow them to make an informed decision with regard to the proposals; and if further details will be provided to outline in greater detail the measures being considered and proposed, and their extent. [1165/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding, is the Office of Public Works Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. It is the principal vehicle for implementing the EU Floods Directive and national flood policy. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the Office of Public Works working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans. There is a proposed option in the Eastern CFRAM Study for the areas within Chapelizod affected by flooding from the River Liffey.

Extensive informal and statutory public consultation in Chapelizod and Lucan was held at each stage of the CFRAM programme. The details are:

Public Consultation Days on the Draft Flood Maps for the Chapelizod and Lucan areas took place locally on 4 and 5 March 2015 and in Dublin City Council Offices on 30 and 31 March 2015. Office of Public Works carried out National Statutory Consultation on the CFRAM Draft Mapping from 20 November to 23 December 2015. Members of the public had the opportunity to make comments and statutory objections to the Draft Maps at this stage.

Public Consultation Days on the Proposed Options for Chapelizod and Lucan areas took place locally on 2 and 3 March 2016 and on the Draft Flood Risk Management Plans on 1 and 2 November 2016. Office of Public Works also carried out National Statutory Consultation on the East CFRAM Draft Flood Risk Management Plans from 23 September to 2 December 2016 to further facilitate local input in finalising the CFRAM Flood Plans.

While no further consultation is planned under the CFRAM Programme, further project level consultation will take place in accordance with the required statutory mechanism used to progress the final CFRAM Flood Risk Management Plans, when approved. The Office of Public Works is on track to complete the Flood Risk Management Plans, in Spring 2017, for approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.