Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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425. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his proposals to relocate families resident in flood prone areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34584/16]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Last Tuesday, 8th November I announced a fund of €2m for a targeted humanitarian aid scheme for those primary residential properties that flooded during last Winter and had flooded in previous years to ensure those worst affected homeowners have a primary residence.

While the Government has agreed that the terms of funding for relocation will be in line with the previous scheme in 2009; I am to apprise Government of the ongoing review of the administrative arrangements from that earlier scheme, to ensure that the arrangements for this once-off scheme are reflective of its targeted objective and all relevant circumstances.

I want to ensure that the funding is targeted at those homeowners at greatest risk of future flooding and would gain greatest benefit from State support to relocate.

The Office of Public Works is working jointly with Local Authorities and the Department of Social Protection to identify and prioritise homeowners and review the administrative arrangements for this scheme. I hope to be able to apprise Government and subsequently make initial contact with a small number of targeted homeowners towards the end of this year.