Review of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA)

Non-statutory consultation on the Review of the PFRA

The objective of the National Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA), that was a requirement of the EU ‘Floods’ Directive, was to identify areas where the risks associated with flooding might be significant. These areas, referred to as Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk (APSFRs), are where detailed flood maps must then be prepared and measures developed to manage and reduce this risk where possible. The PFRA was completed in 2012 after public consultation. The APSFRs identified through the PFRA were then the focus of the National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.

The PFRA is reviewed, and if necessary updated, on a cyclical basis. The first review of the PFRA (under the 2nd cycle of implementation of the ‘Floods’ Directive) was completed in 2019. The second review of the PFRA (under the 3rd cycle of implementation) has now been undertaken.

The scope and approach undertaken to review and, if necessary, update the PFRA and the APSFRs for the 3rd cycle of implementation of the ‘Floods’ Directive was determined by the OPW in consultation with the National ‘Floods’ Directive Coordination Group, with oversight provided through the Interdepartmental Flood Policy Coordination Group.

The review has involved an updated predictive assessment, making use of the national indicative flood maps that are now available, as well as a review of past floods and consultation with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders. Before finalising the Review of the PFRA, the OPW are consulting with the public on the PFRA and the proposed outcomes.

The Draft Report for Consultation on the Review of the PFRA is available here

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation.

Submissions will be accepted from 28th March 2025 to 25th April 2025, up to 5pm. Submissions will not be accepted outside this consultation period.

Submissions can be made to PFRAreview@opw.ie or posted to:

The Office of Public Works,

Public Consultation,

Review of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment,

1GQ,

George's Quay,

Dublin 2,

D02 R274.

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. Individual responses to submissions will not be provided, however, all submissions and feedback will be considered before final decisions is made.

Please note that responses to this consultation are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI), Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007-2018 (AIE) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Please also note that we may publish the contents of all submissions received to our consultations on our website. We will redact personal data prior to publication. In responding to this consultation, parties should clearly indicate where their responses contain personal information, commercially sensitive information or confidential information that they would not wish to be released under FOI, AIE or otherwise published.

We would like to draw your attention to our Data Privacy Notice that explains how and when we collect personal data, why we do so and how we treat this information. It also explains your rights in relation to the collection of personal information and how you can exercise those rights.