Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme is currently being undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with its consultants, local authorities and other stakeholders, in line with national flood policy and the EU Directive (2007/EC/60). The six studies in the current Programme will assess flood risk in 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) deemed to be at potentially significant risk and will produce detailed Flood Maps and Flood Risk Management Plans. The Plans will set out specific measures to address the significant flood risk factors in a proactive and comprehensive way. Ballina is an AFA in the Western CFRAM Study.

Draft flood maps have been produced for the AFAs in the Western CFRAM study area and thirty Public Consultation Day events took place during October and November 2014 on these maps. The study is now progressing to examining all options to reduce flood risk, including both structural and non-structural measures. A Public Consultation Day on preliminary options took place in Ballina on 24th June 2015. Following finalisation of the mapping and assessment of appropriate flood risk management options, the final output of this important project will be integrated Flood Risk Management Plans.

The CFRAM Programme will be used to determine national priorities for future State investment in flood defences. The Flood Risk Management Plans will provide the information to estimate the associated costs to implement these measures. Regarding prioritisation, those schemes and measures offering the greatest benefit relative to cost will generally be given the highest priority.

Further information on the Western CFRAM Study is available on the study website www.westcframstudy.ie.