Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018
205. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the areas that will be included in flood defences in a location (details supplied) in County Limerick; the indicative timeframe for the completion of defences in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4373/18]
View answerThe core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. 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 CFRAM Programme focussed 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. The proposed feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, identified for AFAs are to be outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans.
The Corbally area is included in the Limerick AFA, and will be covered by the proposed measures in that plan. Specifically, the measures proposed include flood embankments, some lengths of flood wall, installation of new sluice gates, and the replacement of a canal lock gate.
The Draft Flood Risk Management Plans were published for public consultation in 2016 and a significant volume of submissions were received for consideration. In Summer 2017, the OPW finalised all Plans and each Plan was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for an independent review of the environmental assessments. This independent review is nearing completion, after which the Final Plans will be formally submitted to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for approval, in accordance with the statutory requirements.
I would hope in the coming weeks to seek the approval from the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for the Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the CFRAM process.
