The national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) screening exercise of 300 communities at risk of flooding in Ireland was carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and was issued in 2011.
It’s purpose was to identify the communities that were, at the time, and into the future, most likely to be affected by flooding.
Following a review of the 300 communities identified in 2011, 9 areas within Limerick City and County Council’s remit were designated as requiring physical measures to significantly manage and reduce flood risk.
Draft CFRAM Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) were prepared by the OPW and issued for public consultation in 2016 for the following areas in Limerick:
- Athea
- Adare
- Askeaton
- Croom
- Foynes
- Newcastlewest
- Rathkeale
- Castleconnell
- Limerick City and environs
Recent approval of the CFRAM Flood Risk Management Plans was granted by the Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD.
On the 3rd May 2018 Minister of State for the Office of Public Works & Flood Relief, Kevin “Boxer” Moran TD, launched a 10-year programme of €1 billion investment in flood relief measures under the Project Ireland 2040 National Development Plan.
It is the intention of the Government to invest in a total of 118 flood relief schemes nationwide over the coming decade.
The first tranche of €257 million in funding will see 50 nationwide schemes advance to the detailed design and construction phase.
Of these 50 schemes the following Limerick schemes will advance through direct investment of €57.4 million:
- Limerick City and environs
- Castleconnell
- Athea
- Rathkeale
The following areas have been included in the broader Limerick City Flood Relief Scheme:
- City Centre Quays
- Thomondgate
- Corbally
- Annacotty
- Montpelier
- The Docklands
- Condell Road
- Ballinacurra
- Rosbrien
- Ballysimon
- Old Cratloe Road
It is intended that following the adoption of the plans by Limerick City and County Council, the schemes will advance in liaison between OPW and Limerick City and County Council to the detailed design and construction phases.
The recently approved CFRAM Flood Risk Management Plans and associated Strategic Environmental Assessment Statements and Natura Impact Statements are available for inspection at the following locations during normal working hours:
Limerick City and County Council
Dooradoyle
Limerick
V94 WV78
Merchant’s Quay
Limerick
V94 EH90
Additional information and all of the above documentation can also be accessed through the OPW dedicated flooding website.
The CFRAM (Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management) Plan information released by the Office of Public Works (OPW) may be accessed in the supporting documents below.