Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Ó Ríordáin for raising this very important matter. I understand the heightened state of fear that exists particularly along the east coast, given the substantial rainfall expected over the next few days and given that last October, this city experienced a flooding calamity in various parts of the city. People are understandably frightened. I wish to assure the Deputy, however, that the Dublin city authorities have taken a number of actions to deal with the situation. There have been recent inspections of all river schemes to ensure drainage systems are operating fully. Closed circuit television systems are used to identify problems in the city. The roads department is monitoring the network and will mobilise if necessary. Dublin fire brigade is on hand to respond if required. Additional staff have been placed on standby. We have learned lessons from the events of last year. Local authorities in Dublin and elsewhere have been working with the Government to prepare an immediate response if this is required.

The Deputy has raised the important issue of climate change. The CIFRAM study will identify 250 hot spots around the country which have experienced historic and more recent flooding. This study is mapping the entire country segmented into six regions. When this is completed we will be in a better position to use resources and to avoid the planning and development mistakes which were made in some of those flood plain areas.

In reply to the Deputy, I have had two meetings with the Irish Insurance Federation and I have instructed my officials and the Irish Insurance Federation to produce an agreement on first principles, particularly with regard to residents who do not have flood insurance but where a flood defence has subsequently been installed. This is not acceptable and I have made this patently clear to the insurers. I hope they will take this opportunity to reach an agreement with the Government on a set of guidelines and principles as has happened in other jurisdictions and with regard to expenditure and the completion of insurance premiums. If people cannot get insurance in areas where a flood defence has been installed, I want to know about it because the Irish Insurance Federation has informed me that insurers do not currently note a demand. Our hand will be strengthened by having more information when negotiating with the insurers.

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