Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 79: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 31 May 2011, if a feasibility study on a flood relief scheme for Skibbereen, County Cork, has been completed yet; the progress of the surveys of the flood plain and the river channel; the next steps in the project; if he will provide a prospective timeframe for when he expects work on the flood relief scheme to get under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37997/11]

Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 80: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 31 May 2011, if an application by Cork County Council to the Office of Public Works under the minor flood works scheme for river cleaning in Skibbereen, County Cork, has been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37998/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.

The Feasibility Study on the flooding situation in Skibbereen, by the consultants appointed by Cork County Council with funding from the Office of Public Works, is currently ongoing. The OPW understands that surveys of the flood plain and channels have been completed, and the council expects to hold a second public consultation day in January 2012.

The OPW also understands that the council expects the study and a draft Flood Risk Management Plan to be completed by February 2012. As stated in my previous reply, the study will provide the basis on which further decisions will be made in relation to any possible flood relief measures for the town.

With regard to the application by Cork County Council for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme to carry out river cleaning in Skibbereen, OPW approved funding of €10,000 to the council towards the cost of these works in June of this year.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 81: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if businesses affected by the flood relief works in Clonmel, County Tipperary, can be compensated or paid disturbance moneys in view of the fact that they have been moved out of their property for more than 12 months; when he expects the flood relief works in Clonmel to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37827/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is expected that works on the Suir River (Clonmel) Drainage Scheme will be substantially complete by mid 2012.

In relation to compensation, I am advised that under the Arterial Drainage Acts, provision is made for property owners to submit a claim for compensation to the Office of Public Works (OPW), if they feel that they have suffered any loss arising from the scheme works. Claims are normally only considered on completion of all scheme works in the immediate area. Any such claim should be made in writing to the OPW, and should set out the total amount claimed and the various headings of claim. Claims will be considered on an individual basis under the relevant provisions of the Acts, under which damage and benefit to a holding are taken into account.