133 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide information on the mapping of at risk flood plains areas on a nationwide basis in an omnibus form; if the information will be dedicated only to the various local authorities within whose jurisdiction the flood plains exist; his views on whether works undertaken by the Office of Public Works or scheduled for action throughout the country will not contribute to the risk of flooding in certain areas by, for instance, increasing the level of hard top surfaces via roads, car parks or other constructions; and if he will initiate a review of the situation nationwide. [6449/01]

The Office of Public Works is commencing on the first phase of a programme of flood risk mapping for the whole country and will contact all local authorities seeking details of flooding incidences in their administrative areas. This information will be used as a basis for an historical flooding map of the country. The second phase of the programme will involve collecting and analysing specialist data in relation to the flood prone areas identified with a view to assessing the probabilities and extents of flooding in these areas.

It is the intention to make the information produced as a result of the programme available to all interested parties. Building projects carried out by the Office of Public Works are subject to the planning and development Acts and comply with any requirements or conditions placed on the permissions by the local authority.

A review of the situation nationwide can be considered in light of the results of the flood risk mapping programme.