Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2015
30. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to implement the recommendations contained in the Report entitled, Eight Proposals Urgently required to tackle flooding on the river Shannon, its tributaries and the waters feeding into it, published by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht in July 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5604/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe July 2012 Report of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht on Shannon flooding dealt with and included recommendations on a number of issues across a range of Government Departments and State Bodies. The Office of Public Works responded to the Committee by way of a written reply in September 2012, in relation to the specific matters within the OPW's area of responsibility. The main area addressed in the reply related to the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme and how the OPW is addressing flood risk on the River Shannon in the context of the CFRAM Programme.
The Shannon CFRAM Study is the OPW's core strategy for addressing flood risk in the Shannon basin. I am advised that good progress continues to be made on the Study. A total of 66 locations along the Shannon have been identified for further assessment under the Study, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW. A public consultation on draft predictive flood risk mapping for these locations is currently being rolled out throughout the Shannon region. Further details on the public consultation and on the Shannon CFRAM Study are available on the Study website www.shannoncframstudy.ie. Following the finalisation of the flood mapping and the assessment of appropriate flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated plans containing specific measures to address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risk factors in the Shannon basin.
