Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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143. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he proposes to put in place to make funding available to Kerry County Council to make up the cost of repairing damage following the recent storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4741/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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During the period from 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014 Ireland was subjected to a series of severe storms, affecting the country roughly once every three days. In addition to the very strong winds, there were periods of extremely heavy rain and a lot of thunderstorm activity. These storms coincided with high spring tides and created severe and damaging conditions in a number of coastal areas.

On 14 January I brought an Interim Report to Government on the storms, compiled by my Department in its capacity as Lead Government Department for the response to severe weather.

At the request of Government, my Department is seeking more detailed reports from local authorities, to be provided within the next week, on the anticipated repair and recovery works, including related costings. This will enable Government, through the specific areas of responsibility of relevant Departments and Agencies, to support the local authorities on recovery measures.