by Bernie English bernie@limerickpost.ie
SHANNON airport and fifteen locations in Limerick have been identified as areas that need to be looked at as possible flood risk areas in a study to be completed next year.
The flood risk management plans have not yet been prepared but, as part of a preliminary study, certain areas have been selected as Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs).
The Limerick areas are Abbeyfeale, Adare, Askeaton, Athea, Cappamore, Castleconnell, Clarina, Croom, Dromcolliher, Foynes, Kilmallock, Limerick city and environs, Montpelier, Newcastle West and Rathkeale. More information on the study is available on www.shannoncframstudy.ie
The latest assessment shows that up to 300 communities all over Ireland are at serious risk of flooding, unless the Government invests a billion euro over the next decade in relief works.
Minister for State Simon Harris said €100million a year is required to safeguard vulnerable towns and villages. An estimated €700million has been paid out by insurance companies since 2000, arising from eight major flooding events.
Minister Harris, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works, said they had completed a list of 300 areas at risk of flooding under the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management programme.
Draft flood maps have been prepared with public consultation sessions held in the AFAs, and a statutory consultation to be held in the coming weeks.
