Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will request Teagasc to investigate new drainage issues that have arisen in the east Galway area in the Suck catchment basin, as fields that were never flooded before have been flooded on a consistent basis this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57435/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The assessment and management of flood risks is in the first instance the responsibility of the Office of Public Works.

As the deputy is acutely aware 2012 has been a very difficult year for farmers having to cope with the bad weather. Parts of the country received over 200% of the average summer rainfall. In Galway the summer and autumn months experienced above average rainfall, even though the yearly average was in keeping with the national picture.

Farmers affected by the flooding in the Suck catchment in East Galway should contact the Office of Public Works locally for advice on the best course of action available. Where the issue relates to individual parcels of land, the farmer should contact their local Teagasc advisor or private Agricultural Consultant.