Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 499: To ask the Minister for Finance the measures he will take to prevent a recurrence of flooding on the lower River Shannon as occurred in January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1772/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Commissioners of Public Works are considering, in consultation with Clare County Council and other statutory agencies, what measures may be possible to prevent or mitigate the impact of the flooding which occurred in the lower River Shannon.

The problem which led to houses and roads being flooded in Clonlara is being prioritised for attention. Indications of obstructions to flow in the channel are being examined and the carrying out of a survey is also being considered.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 500: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps the National Parks and Wildlife Services will take to resolve a flooding problem (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1901/07]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 511: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will take measures to alleviate flooding in Springfield, Clonlara, County Clare as a result of recent high rainfall at the Weir, Parteen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43788/06]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 537: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has plans to alleviate the recent flooding problem from the Shannon which caused flooding in Clonlara, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1476/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 552: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works the action it will take to resolve a flooding problem (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1904/07]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 555: To ask the Minister for Finance if an analysis has been carried out of the consequences of flooding in the Neale, Kilmaine and Ballinrobe area in the December 2006 period; if he will set up a working interdepartmental group to assess the best way to deal with future implications of this flooding; if an assessment has been carried out of the damage and compensation levels required as a result of the flooding to farmers and residents in the locality; if he will authorise the Red Cross to carry out such investigations and recommend compensation levels; if he will provide funding to deal with same in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1962/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Finance the flood relief package available for people who have had their homes damaged in the floods of December 2006, particularly the flooding in areas of south Mayo; the help that is available for flood relief; his proposals to resolve the flooding issue in the long term; and the funding that will be allocated for this purpose. [2007/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Finance if a flood relief package will be made available to people who have suffered losses due to flooding in December 2006 in Mayo, including the loss of cattle and sheep; the help that is available for flood relief; the proposals to resolve the flooding issue in the long term; and the funding that will be allocated for this purpose. [2013/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 500, 511, 537, 552, 555, 558 and 559 together.

I have been very conscious that, as a result of the exceptional rainfall since mid-November, there are a number of areas throughout the country, but particularly in the West and North-West, which have been severely affected by flooding. It was with this in mind that I announced on 18th January, that the Commissioners of Public Works will work with Local Authorities to try to identify solutions to the various flooding incidents that have occurred.

The Local Authorities are the front-line responders where State sector assistance is required in the event of serious flooding. They are therefore likely to have information which, allied to the local knowledge of their staff will be invaluable in determining the most likely immediate cause of the flooding. This information when allied to the expertise of the OPW in dealing with river engineering, will assist in devising potential solutions to the individual problems in the most efficient manner possible. Where additional surveys or other information is needed this will be procured.

It is my intention that, where solutions are identified which offer an acceptable level of social and financial benefit and which are environmentally acceptable, that these will be implemented as quickly as possible. In most cases the flooding occurred from rivers or watercourses for which the Commissioners of Public Works do not have responsibility and in respect of which consequently they have very limited powers. We will therefore be relying on the full co-operation of the Local Authorities and of local landowners in many cases to implement remedial measures quickly.

Where it is not possible to find flood relief measures which are viable other flood protection measures may be considered.

With respect to Clonlara, County Clare, I am advised by the Commissioners that an engineer visited the area in December and that efforts to find a solution are ongoing.

With regard to South Mayo, OPW officials are in consultation with Mayo County Council regarding the flooding there. I understand they are making good progress towards identifying possible flood relief works for Crossmolina and Clyard, Kilmaine, and are continuing to seek solutions to the flooding problems in the other areas affected.

If issues arise in any case requiring consultation with other Departments contact will be made on a case by case basis at the local level as far as possible. An inter-departmental working group is not considered necessary at this stage.

The provision of Humanitarian Assistance is a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I have written to the Minister with copies of the Parliamentary Questions and representations which I have received on the matter.