Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

209. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works plans to introduce a national scheme to protect individual houses from flooding, particularly those that almost flooded in the flooding events of 2015-16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23148/18]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Individual Property Protection (IPP) can be effective in mitigating against the adverse consequences for properties at risk of flooding. It can reduce the damage caused to contents, furniture and fittings in a house or business, but it is not applicable in all situations. For example, it may not be suitable in areas of deep or prolonged flooding, or for certain types of properties.

The Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group is considering the potential costs and benefits associated with the introduction of any potential individual property protection (IPP) scheme. The Group is being informed by two different pilot projects in Thomastown and Graiguenamanagh in County Kilkenny and in Crossmolina in County Mayo, which were announced by Government on 26 January, 2016.

These pilots may also inform the potential administrative arrangements for any possible future IPP scheme.

The Co-ordination Group’s work, when completed, will be submitted to Government for consideration in the context of the proposals for the introduction by Government of any feasible assistance to support individual property protection measures.