Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I regret that the Minister, Deputy Kelly, is not in a position to be present but I understand he is on other business. As winter approaches, the storms of last winter are etched into the minds of certain people, that is, those who have experienced flooding in their homes and businesses and of their land. A series of terrible storms was experienced that left terrible devastation in their wake. In my constituency and home town, approximately 100 houses have been identified as being at risk of flooding. In addition, there was flooding to housing in another area outside Ross, as well as in Westport, Crossmolina and other villages and towns nationwide. As winter approaches, people are fearful that this entire disaster might happen again if we experience, as we did previously, bad weather combined with high tides.

I welcome the work being done by the OPW in developing flood risk management plans. I understand it is studying 300 areas under the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme and has prepared flood risk maps which identify areas at risk and list all the factors which contribute to flooding in order that we might obtain a true picture of the position. As a result of the OPW's work, options will be identified in the context of flood mitigation measures. As matters stand, however, the people to whom I refer remain in the same position as last year. In other words, they are facing into the same risks and problems. Rather than waiting for the various options to be identified, I am of the view that action should be taken. The Government committed €45 million in capital expenditure in respect of this matter for the period 2012 to 2016 and a number of minor works have been carried out by local authorities. However, there is a need to support people in order that they will not feel helpless in their homes.

I propose the establishment of a small grant scheme to be administered by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government under the auspices of the housing grants schemes currently operated by local authorities. They have the wherewithal to provide small housing grants. If grants were provided for matters relating to the risk of flooding, people would no longer feel helpless because they would be in a position to erect small flood barriers outside their homes as a short-term measure. In such circumstances they would be able to rest assured that they had done the best they can and that the Government has done all it can, despite the various time and financial constraints which obtain. Taking this type of action would be less costly to the State than being obliged to provide financial relief to people when their homes or properties have been destroyed.

It is worth bearing in mind - this adds weight to the case I am making - that in many cases the owners of houses which have already been flooded can no longer obtain insurance for them. As a result, they will from now on be obliged to fork out their own money or turn to the State if their homes are again flooded. The type of flood barriers or gates to which I refer can be fitted for approximately €1,500 and I would welcome it if the State were to make a contribution in this regard. In assessing eligibility for grant payments, it would be necessary to examine the position with regard to the areas identified in the mapping exercise carried out by the OPW under the CFRAM programme. These areas could then be targeted and the people who live there could be empowered and enabled to take the action required rather than being obliged to wait years for the arrival of more long-term, effective solutions such as the construction of sea or river barriers. If it is decided to pay grants, I request that these have retrospective effect for those who have already forked out in order to have barriers put in place at their homes. When one considers what would be the final cost of repairing the damage caused by flooding, the case I have put forward makes a great deal of sense. I have discussed this matter with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, who is not averse to the proposal I have just outlined. I am aware of the financial constraints that obtain but I am of the view that this would be a worthwhile exercise.

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