Flood Risk Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Ceisteanna (237)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

237. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will direct Geological Survey Ireland, GSI, using the data collected to date, to produce a flood risk map for Funshinagh, County Roscommon in the year 2025 based on average rainfall levels over the past five years and on average rates of drainage in view of the fact this turlough has now effectively converted into a permanent lake without an outlet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35383/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications

Geological Survey Ireland has been monitoring Lough Funshinagh since August 2016 as part of it’s turlough water level monitoring network. Since 2016 the data has been made available upon request to stakeholders and in July 2020 it became publicly available and downloadable via GSI’s online services. Using the data collected to date, GSI has published predictive flood mapping for over 400 turloughs including Lough Funshinagh. The hydrological models used to produce the map were calibrated using water level and rainfall data between August 2016 to December 2019. As the hydrological regime of Lough Funshinagh has not noticeably changed since the period of calibration, the current flood maps are considered to be appropriate in the medium term. GSI will continue to monitor Lough Funshinagh as part of its program of works. In addition, the likely impacts of Climate Change on groundwater flooding are currently being investigated as part of a new GSI project, GWClimate.