Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 February 2010
57 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has carried out an investigation on the recent flooding along the rivers Shannon and Suck; the terms of reference; and when this investigation will be completed. [8504/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW), in conjunction with Galway and Roscommon county councils, is currently undertaking an inspection of the River Suck and its tributaries in order to identify practical measures to reduce the flood risk in the short term. This inspection, which commenced in January of this year, is expected to be completed by April 2010.
The OPW has requested local authorities to identify for 2010 their prioritised minor flood relief works, which, subject to compliance with certain criteria, may be funded by OPW.
As regards the long-term, the OPW has commenced the process of commissioning consultants to carry out a comprehensive flood risk assessment and management (FRAM) study of the river Shannon catchment. The study is expected to commence by mid -2010, and a draft long term flood risk management plan will be produced by the end of 2014.
The OPW will lead the Shannon FRAM, but will undertake the study in partnership with the local authorities, and will involve all stakeholders in assessing the flood risk, constraints and objectives, and in developing long-term solutions aimed at mitigating all significant flood risk factors in the Shannon area.
