Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)
What is this assessment?
The Flood Risk Assessment process identifies, quantifies and manages flood risks across various regions.
Legal basis: EU Floods Directive 2007/60/EC
What is the process?
The Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) process involves several structured steps.
Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA)
The PFRA involves collecting data on past flood events and potential flood sources. This can include coastal, fluvial, pluvial and groundwater flooding. It creates a broad overview of flood risk across the country.
Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme
The CFRAM Programme comprehensively assesses flood risks in specific catchment areas. The OPW (Office of Public Works) generates detailed flood maps. They illustrate existing and potential flood risks under various scenarios, including climate change.
Flood risk management plans
Detailed Flood Risk Management Plans are created for each significant flood risk area. These are based on the findings from the CFRAM Programme. The plans outline the next 5-10 years of:
- Feasible flood risk management measures
- Investment strategies
- Policy recommendations
Stakeholder engagement
Engaging with local authorities, communities and other stakeholders is crucial. It's a way to communicate risks and gather input on proposed management measures.
Awareness of local flood risks is also important. Tools like Flood Maps viewer allow property owners to understand flood risks near them.
Monitoring and review
The effectiveness of implemented measures is continually monitored. Flood maps are regularly updated to reflect new data and changing conditions. Plans are also revisited to adapt to evolving climate conditions and urban development pressures.
Submitting your assessment
The results of this assessment should be included with your submission to the relevant planning authority.
Supporting information
OPW Guidance on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management