James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for better public announcement of the opening of floodgates in Clonlara, County Clare in the future; if he will seek an improvement in communication between Electricity Supply Board areas at such times to lessen the risk of flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3805/07]

James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will set up a compensation fund for the victims of extensive flooding at Clonlara, County Clare in view of the fact that the actions of the Electricity Supply Board in opening floodgates was a major factor in the flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3806/07]

James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will arrange to have the river at Plassey, County Clare known as the cut to be dredged in view of the severe and extensive flooding that occurred at Clonlara, County Clare during December 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3807/07]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department has recently provided funding to alleviate flooding in the lower Shannon basin in order to prevent further flooding for householders and landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3819/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 to 255, inclusive, and 271 together.

Following the exceptional rainfall since mid-November a number of areas throughout the country, including the Lower Shannon area, 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 knowledge of Local Authority staff, 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, 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 regard to Clonlara, County Clare, I am advised that OPW officials have visited the area with a view to identifying a solution to the flooding problem, in conjunction with the ESB and Waterways Ireland. The provision of Humanitarian Assistance to those affected would be a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs.