Written answers

Thursday, 3 December 2009

Department of Finance

Proposed Legislation

5:00 am

Photo of Olwyn EnrightOlwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 55 of 24 September 2009, the actions he will take to address the hardship caused by the flooding of the Shannon area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45138/09]

Photo of Olwyn EnrightOlwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Finance the action the Office of Public Works will take to address the hardship caused by the flooding of the Shannon area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45139/09]

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.

As indicated in the reply to the Deputy's Question on 24 September, the OPW will, in 2010, commence a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study that will identify areas in the Shannon catchment that are at significant risk from flooding, and will produce a prioritised list of measures for addressing the risk in those areas. Pending the completion of the Study, OPW, through the minor works schemes, will work with the Local Authorities to identify areas that might benefit from interim localised mitigating measures. The OPW is currently completing works to relieve flooding at Clonlara in the Lower Shannon, and has been in discussion with the IFA and the NPWS regarding the possibility of carrying out further works in the Shannon Callows area.

As regards the immediate impact on those affected by the flooding, the Government has allocated an initial sum of €10 million to fund a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. This scheme is being administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The aim of the Scheme is to provide financial support to people who have suffered flood damage to their homes and, in doing so, will provide hardship alleviation as opposed to full compensation. As on previous occasions, commercial or business losses will not be covered by the scheme, nor will losses, which are covered by household insurance.

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