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Flood Relief Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020

Wednesday, 9 September 2020

Ceisteanna (115)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

115. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has a policy and strategy for dealing with family homes that become permanently uninhabitable due to flooding or coastal erosion. [22756/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme was the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and covered 300 areas believed to be at significant flood risk. The CFRAM Programme culminated with the launch on 3rd May, 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which identified 118 new outline flood relief works on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the OPW. These projects are being funded under the Government's 10-year flood risk investment programme of almost €1 billion under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027. The key conclusion of the Flood Risk Management Plans is that 95% of properties assessed through CFRAM can be protected through continued investment in flood relief schemes.

The implementation of the Government's whole of Government approach to flood risk has delivered many sector led initiatives, including the 2009 statutory planning guidelines and the emergency response structures in preparing for and responding to a flood event. The Inter-Departmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group, which I chair, is developing a range of non-structural policy options to help mitigate flood risk for those properties where a flood relief scheme is not viable. In that regard a priority is the establishment of the national Flood Forecasting Service that is being developed by Met Éireann and overseen by the OPW. The service will deal with flood forecasting from both fluvial (river) and coastal sources. When fully operational, it will involve the issuing of flood forecasts and general alerts.

The Group also co-ordinated the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management in line with its requirements under the National Adaptation Framework. The Plan, approved by the Government in October, 2019, sets out the cross sectoral impacts of climate change on flood risk. The long-term goal adopted on climate adaptation for flooding and flood risk management and set out in the Plan is to promote sustainable communities and support our environment through the effective management of the potential impacts of climate change on flooding and flood risk. To deliver on this goal, the Government has approved 21 actions across flood risk prevention, protection and preparedness, as well as further research and capacity building.

It also remains open to Local Authorities to apply to the OPW for funding of flood mitigation projects of up to €750,000 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the Scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management.

Rising sea levels, increasing storm activity and coastal erosion, arising from climate change is expected to have a considerable impact on coastal areas. The Government has recently established an Inter-Departmental Group on Managing Coastal Change to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities, economies, heritage, culture and environment. The Inter-Departmental Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the OPW and will bring forward options and recommendations for the Government to consider.

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