Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017
359. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the OPW will carry out works which will strengthen flood resilience and reduce the risk of flooding in view of the updated models for the Carysfort-Maretimo catchment regarding flood resilience, using an enhanced hydraulic model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8312/17]
View answerThe core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the OPW's Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme is focussing on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, identified as being at potentially significant risk of flooding. 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 OPW 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.
The Carysfort Maretimo catchment is within the Dublin City AFA of the Eastern CFRAM programme. The preferred option developed by the CFRAM Study, to protect at risk properties along the Carysfort Maretimo watercourse, consists of five offline storage areas in combination with flood defence walls. The proposed storage areas will reduce the flow along the Carysfort Maretimo watercourse, while the hard defences provide additional protection against the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event. Approximately 250 meters of hard defence is required with an average and total height of 0.8 metres and 1.4 metres respectively.
The Carysfort Maretimo Stream Improvement Scheme works were previously completed along this watercourse. The scheme was constructed between 2010 and 2012 and comprised improved channel conveyance, raised walls, culvert bypasses and screen upgrades. The completed works provide protection, against a 1:50 to 1:100 year flood event (1%-2% AEP), for in excess of forty properties previously at risk of flooding from the Carysfort Maretimo watercourse.
The OPW will shortly finalise the Flood Risk Management Plans that will include a prioritised set of flood risk management measures, both structural and non-structural, that will set out the measures to address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner. These will then be submitted for approval by the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform, and subsequent implementation. The approved Final Plans may then subsequently be adopted by the Local Authorities.
