The OPW completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State, the National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of that risk. Some 150 additional flood relief schemes were identified through this Programme, including a number of schemes in Louth.
The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of these flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk.
While the CFRAM Programme investigated possible flood relief measures for Termonfeckin, an economically viable scheme for this community was not identified. Termonfeckin was designated as an area for further assessment and the OPW is currently reviewing the flood risk in this community and is due to have a final report completed in Q2 2024.
The OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This scheme provides 90% funding to local authorities to manage localised flood risk. The OPW, since 2009, has approved €1.9m in funding for local flood projects under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to Louth County Council.
