To facilitate planning for the management of future flood risk, OPW has embarked on a programme of Catchment Flood Risk Assessments since being assigned lead agency responsibilities in 2004, following the review of flood policy. These studies, which are required by the National Flood Policy and the EU Floods Directive, are designed to identify the areas at risk from flood events for a range of severities and to produce a prioritised plan of measures for dealing with areas where the risk is significant. The Shannon study is expected to commence in mid-2010.
Pending completion of the study for the Shannon Catchment, OPW, through the minor works scheme, will work with the relevant local authorities to identify areas that may benefit from interim localised mitigation measures.