EU flood directive could cost Ireland €1 billion

European legislation could force Ireland to spend up to €1 billion on flood prevention and relief measures.

The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme, which was set up as a result of the 2007 EU Floods Directive, has identified 300 areas in Ireland at significant risk of flooding.

These will be ranked in order of priority after a public consultation. It is expected that work will begin on the highest-ranked areas ...