Written answers

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Department of Social Protection

Humanitarian Aid

8:00 pm

Photo of Marcella Corcoran KennedyMarcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made in regard to a relocation arising from flooding in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12689/12]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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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 also 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 household of the person concerned has been visited by an official from the Department and a report of their individual circumstances has been completed. In addition one of the conditions was that assistance could only be provided in situation where: "in the opinion of the Office of Public Works the house is unsustainable due to flooding because of depth/duration/frequency and cannot be protected from flooding at an economical cost"

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed that the person concerned satisfies this condition. The person has been advised that on the basis of all the relevant facts it has been decided that financial assistance towards relocation will be provided to them. The Department will be in contact with the person concerned in the coming weeks setting out the exact details.

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