Written answers

Tuesday, 1 December 2009

Department of Education and Science

Flood Damage

12:00 pm

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the damage arising from the recent flooding at University College Cork; if he has proposals to deal with same. [44143/09]

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the loss, damage and disruption caused to students at University College Cork arising from the recent flooding which affected student accommodation and led to damage and loss of books, laptops and personal belongings; if he has proposals to assist them in their difficulties. [44144/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 60 together.

I am very conscious of the hardship being experienced by many people across the country due to the recent unprecedented flooding. In regard to University College Cork specifically, I visited the University yesterday to view the position at first hand. My Department has also received an initial report from the University Authorities detailing the extensive flood damage caused to educational facilities and student residences. I understand that 29 of the University's individual buildings were flooded including the recently constructed IT Building. I further understand that approximately 30 acres of the University's 80 acres land bank were submerged in flood water.

Apart from damage to buildings and facilities, at the human level I understand that close to 2,000 students were forced to evacuate their student residences. A significant recovery effort involving well over 150 people has been undertaken with an emphasis on addressing emergency and safety issues. I congratulate all involved in working speedily to minimise risks and restore as best as possible normal activities at the University.

I have been advised by the Higher Education Authority that the University has in place adequate and appropriate levels of insurance. Loss assessors acting on behalf of the insurers have already visited the University to examine at first hand the extent of damage caused. It is not possible at this early stage to quantify the full extent of the damage until further surveys and assessments are complete.

Finally, the Deputy may recall that earlier this year I extended a scheme of minor works funding that existed within the institute of technology sector to the country's 7 universities. Under the scheme, UCC derived funding of €3.6m in the current year. This funding will enable the college to address urgent small-scale capital issues on a priority basis.

Loss of personal property would also fall to be dealt with by individuals' insurers.

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