Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I commend the work of the local authority. I am not at all surprised that it responded so well. In my previous dealings with Leitrim County Council regarding the bog slide at Drumkeeran, the response was phenomenal and well targeted. It was lucky that the Minister of State, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, addressed the first question. She has raised the issue of insurance with the relevant companies. She stated that they have engaged quickly and that any specific problems should be brought to her.

I will come back regarding what the go-to is in terms of the response. The Taoiseach visited Leitrim village and the surrounding area. I understand that welfare officers from the Department of Social Protection remain on the ground working with Leitrim County Council to provide immediate needs assistance to those affected. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is also liaising with Leitrim County Council to identify affected small businesses and other organisations that may be in need of assistance. It should also be noted that funding for the repair of public infrastructure is undertaken by the relevant Department in line with sectoral responsibility. Capital costs associated with damage to the road network and coastal protection infrastructure, where relevant, are not included as a matter of course and should be dealt with in line with the arrangements outlined.

With regard to the response of An Garda Síochána and the National Ambulance Service, the Ministers for Justice and Health will be in a position to give further and specific detail to the Deputy in this regard. The Office of the Taoiseach and officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are working actively on the ground and will liaise with Leitrim County Council in due course.

I hope this provides some assurance to the people of Leitrim village after what was a devastating event that all agencies of Government are working collaboratively to address the immediate needs and longer term needs arising out of the damage to property and other matters.

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