Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 334: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue regarding relocation for persons (details supplied) in County Galway whose houses were flooded in 2009 and where the Office of Public Works has stated that no cost effective work can be carried out to avoid further flooding in the future and where no flood insurance is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18364/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy is aware the Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian Aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home. Flood relief works were also undertaken in some of the affected areas and other works are at an advanced state of preparation. Discussions took place with representatives of the insurance industry regarding giving households access to appropriate house insurance at a reasonable cost.

Subject to certain conditions the Government also decided to provide support to a small number of families who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding and are considering the possibility of relocating rather than resuming living at their original home.

The households in question and all of the other households have been visited by officials from the Department and reports of their individual circumstances have been completed. The Department is also in discussions with the Office of Public Works in relation to any remedial works it is undertaking in the areas in question and the impact these works will have in the event of any future flooding. The Department expects to be in a position to make a decision on these cases in the coming weeks.