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Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 February 2018

Tuesday, 6 February 2018

Ceisteanna (162)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

162. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if flood alleviation funding will be made available for flood prevention works in Ballybay, County Monaghan; when he expects work to commence; if planning has been commenced, completed or approved for the works; when he expects works to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5438/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. 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.

The CFRAM Programme focussed on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, identified as being at potentially significant risk of flooding. The proposed feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, identified for AFAs are outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans.

Ballybay is as an AFA and is being assessed by the North Western – Neagh Bann CFRAM Programme. The proposed measure outlined in the flood risk management plan for Ballybay consists of a series of flood embankments and walls. These hard defences will extend for a total length of 2.5km with an average height of 1.6 m.

The Draft Flood Risk Management Plans were published for public consultation in 2016 and a significant volume of submissions were received for consideration. In Summer 2017, the OPW finalised all Plans and each Plan was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for an independent review of the environmental assessments. This independent review is nearing completion, after which the Final Plans will be formally submitted to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for approval, in accordance with the statutory requirements.

I would hope in the coming weeks to seek the approval from the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for the Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the CFRAM process.

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