Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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368. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21308/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The flood referred to by the Deputy was caused by an extreme rain event. The gauge at the nearby Broadmeadow station on the Broadmeadow channel recorded the third highest flow in 37 years during this event causing flooding from channels and storm water systems.

Storm drains, storm water systems and planning permission are the responsibility of the Local Authority.

Meath County Council in cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW) has engaged a consultant engineering company to investigate this flood event and to propose solutions. The study, surveying and modelling has now commenced.

In relation to the insurance element of the Deputy's question, insurance companies make commercial decisions on the provision of insurance cover based on their assessment of the risks they are prepared to accept on a case by case basis. The OPW has no role in relation to the oversight or regulation of the insurance industry or of insurance matters generally.