Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Finance if, in view of serious flooding that has affected the livelihoods of several farming families in the Cashen area of north Kerry, the Office of Public Works will proceed to install further pumps similar to the one that has already been installed and which is proving to be a success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4096/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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As I indicated in reply to the Deputy's question on 31st January, the Commissioners of Public Works will carry out works to the embankments in the River Cashen area this year. They will then monitor the impact on the land affected of this work and of the pump already installed on a trial basis to ensure that the delicate balance between flood alleviation and damage to the lands due to over-drainage is maintained before deciding whether to install further pumps.

While it is agreed that the pump has been effective in alleviating flooding of the land, the report, which recommended the pumping solution also identified the risk of land settlement, which would undermine it's long term viability as a possible consequence.

The Commissioners will carry out a review of the experiment, including a survey of the land to determine if there is any evidence of settlement, as well as a review of the costs of installation, operation and maintenance, later this year before deciding whether to install further pumps at this stage.