OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Operational Programmes: Non-Structural Measures
The National Flood Policy requires full consideration of non-structural, as well as structural, flood risk management measures. In response to this, the OPW in partnership with other stakeholder Departments, Local Authorities and organisations have developed and are implementing a range of work programmes aimed at developing policies and capacity for the full and effective use of non-structural measures as a viable alternative to flood relief schemes for flood risk management. These work programmes are outlined below:
Flood Forecasting and Warning
Flood forecasting and warning can be an effective tool in flood risk management by enabling authorities, businesses and the public to take actions in advance of a flood to reduce the damage the flood might cause, such as moving valuable items upstairs and evacuating vulnerable people to safe locations.
Flood forecasting systems have been developed by the OPW for Clonmel, Mallow and Fermoy for the operation of demountable defences that will form part of the flood relief schemes for these towns, and are being tested by the Local Authorities. It is intended that the experience gained from developing and testing these systems, along with discussion with experts and other organisations will be used to identify and implement an appropriate flood forecasting and warning system for Ireland.
Emergency Response Development
In conjunction with flood forecasting, a prepared and appropriate response from Local Authorities, emergency response agencies and other stakeholders can reduce the damage a flood would otherwise cause.
The OPW is nearing completion of a project aiming at developing guidance and template documents that can assist Local Authorities in preparing flood event emergency response plans, based on a review of international best practice and pilot studies undertaken for Clonmel, Mallow and Fermoy.
Public Awareness and Preparedness
The public, as well as Local Authorities and emergency response organisations, can reduce the impact of floods by being award of the flood risk and being prepared to take action if and when a flood occurs.
The OPW has run public awareness campaigns over the last two winters to remind people of the danger and risks of floods. In parallel, the OPW has developed an information booklet advising people what they can do to help themselves in the event of a flood. This booklet is available through the www.flooding.ie and in hardcopy through Local Authority offices and public libraries.
As more detailed maps of flood hazard and risk become available through the flood risk management planning programme, a more localised approach to flood risk awareness and preparedness can be followed to help people understand the risk specific to them, and what they should do during a flood.
Planning and Development Control
The OPW is a statutory consultee for major spatial plans, such as Regional Planning Guidelines, and Development Plans, under the Planning Act, 2000.
The publication of the Guidelines on ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management’ (Draft for consultation, Sept. 2008) have emphasised the importance of this role for the OPW. Further information on the Guidelines, and the role of the OPW in reviewing Flood Risk Assessments and Spatial Plans and in providing support and information to assist the planning authorities in the performance of their duties, are available through this link
Guidelines for Planning Authorities
High-Risk Channel Designation
The OPW is only empowered through the legislation under which it acts to undertake works or maintenance on channels that form part of a Certified Scheme. Such Schemes currently cover approximately 20% of the land area of the country.
To enable the OPW to undertake minor works such as maintenance of channels that do not form part of a Scheme, but which nonetheless could give rise to a significant flood risk, the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group recommended that a proactive process of channel designation be developed to ensure that high-risk channels could be maintained throughout the country to avoid or reduce flood risk. Such a process is likely to require an amendment to existing legislation, and this, along with potential mechanisms and criteria for designation are currently being examined.
Effective and Efficient Programme Delivery
Along with effective measures for reducing or managing flood risk, it is important that the delivery of such measures, the allocation of funds to them, and the coordination of activities by different stakeholders are efficient and effective to make best us of the available human resources and financial budgets.
Prioritisation of Expenditure
To ensure that available funds are allocated to optimise the short- and long-term risk reduction for each euro spent, a system of prioritisation is required that ensures optimised expenditure in the area of flood relief and risk management, and that is also fair and transparent.
Systems have been developed based on a limited number of criteria (such as economic return and environmental impact). More complex and thorough systems are however subject to ongoing analysis to provide for other relevant issues such as adaptability to the impact of climate change and social, environmental, cultural and other benefits the works might have.
Asset Database and Management
As structural works and drainage schemes have been undertaken as a means to reduce flood risk, a significant portfolio of physical assets (such as walls, pump stations, embankments, etc.) has been built up that requires monitoring and maintenance.
A database has been developed to ensure a central standardised repository of information relating to these assets, including their performance and condition and their value in terms of what they are protecting. This database is currently being populated, and will enable the planning of more effective and targeted monitoring and maintenance.
Review of Legislation
A review of current legislation is underway to identify weaknesses, strengths and desirable amendments to help ensure that an appropriate legal framework is in place for effective delivery of the flood risk management policy and programme.
Communication
A key duty of the OPW in its role as lead agency for flood risk management is to ensure a coordination of flood risk management activities by different stakeholders to achieve policy objectives.
A communication programme is underway and being further developed to ensure that the processes, guidelines, information and outcomes of the policy implementation and information development programmes are properly conveyed to the public, government departments, the Local Authorities and other relevant organisations, and that all stakeholders are involved and engaged in the programme as necessary.