Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2016
122. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans in place to develop flood defences for the town of Athlone; and if there are plans to bring forward solid proposals on this issue during 2016. [8243/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core strategy for addressing the significant flood risks nationally, in Athlone and in the Shannon River Basin District generally, is the Office of Public Works'(OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. Athlone is one of 66 locations in the Shannon River Basin District and 300 locations nationwide that are being assessed under the Programme the purpose of which is to implement the EU Floods Directive and national flood policy. 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. Under the Shannon CFRAM Study, draft predictive flood maps for Athlone have been produced and were the subject of a Public Consultation Day in Athlone on 17th February 2015. The draft maps will be finalised in 2016 following the conclusion of the national statutory public consultation process on 23rd December, 2015.
Two Public Consultation Days were held in Athlone on 17th December, 2015 and 11th February, 2016 to present and discuss preliminary options to manage the significant flood risks. Following the finalisation of the flood mapping and the identification of preliminary flood risk management options, the final output from this important project will be integrated Flood Risk Management Plans containing specific measures that can address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risks identified in the Shannon River Basin District. Further information on the Programme is available on www.cfram.ie.
The Government recently announced increased levels of investment in the area of flood relief as part of the overall Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 and this investment programme will allow for consideration of measures arising from the Flood Risk Management Plans.
The Office of Public Works also operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This administrative Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie. It is not available for repair of damaged infrastructure or for maintenance of existing flood defence or coastal protection assets. It is open to the Westmeath County Council, pending the finalisation of the CFRAM Programme, to submit a funding application under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
It is also open to Westmeath County Council to carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
