Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Substantial works have already begun, as the Deputy knows. Local authorities are already spending and have been told to keep on doing so, so that we can recoup the money for them after they have spent it. That has been the clear indication we have given to local authorities since the initial storm damage in the first few days of this year. The Government's assessment, based on local authority estimates, is that up to €70 million may well be required this year. We have a variety of schemes operated through my own Department, as well as the Departments referred to by the Deputy, whereby local authorities can apply for funds.

As regards the figure of €20 million allocated for flood defences, I will take the Deputy's own county of Galway as an example. According to the Galway county manager, we reckon that €1.25 million will be required for Galway city and county's flood defences this year. In that case therefore Galway city and county will apply to us under the minor works scheme. I have already told this House that I want those schemes turned around within ten days of hitting our desk in the Office of Public Works. That is what is currently happening. The moneys are already being sent to local authorities, but they must apply to us as is normally the case.

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