Vol. 548 No. 5
173 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the recently announced compensation scheme for flooded households to families in similar circumstances in the Shannon Basin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5297/02]
The humanitarian aid scheme announced by the Government on 5 February 2002 is being implemented by the Irish Red Cross. The scheme was introduced in recognition of the serious hardship caused to people from the severe weather events on Friday, 1 February, and Saturday, 2 February 2002, which resulted in serious flooding in various locations around the country. The scheme is designed to provide humanitarian assistance to those who suffered severe hardship and is not compensation for loss or damage suffered. The scheme applies to all people who were affected by the flooding which occurred on 1 and 2 February, 2002.
174 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works the measures which can be taken to resolve a flooding problem for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [5310/02]
A report commissioned by the Office of Public Works identified some flood alleviation measures for this area. However, as the area is in a special area of conservation, SAC, further environmental studies and mitigating measures would require to be carried out. In these circumstances any works in this area would not be economically viable and cannot be proceeded with.
175 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the damage caused to five homes (details supplied) in Limerick when flooding occurred there in 1999; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that a Red Cross compensation scheme, which was established for the purpose of compensating affected residents was not extended to a number of people affected by the flooding; if his attention has further been drawn to the financial hardship which this flooding caused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5351/02]
I am aware that there was considerable flooding in Limerick over the Christmas and new year in 1999-2000. However, a certain area of the city was more severely affected due to public works associated with the Limerick main drainage scheme being carried out by Limerick Corporation on the Abbey River. Due to these works the receding of flood waters was delayed in that area and as a result residents there suffered additional hardship. It was the intention to provide financial assistance only to those who had suffered additional hardship because of the public works and the scheme was established on this limited basis. The scope of the scheme was determined solely on the basis of a report on the flooding from Limerick Corporation which indicated the area and the properties affected as a direct result of the public works. The area identified was the immediate vicinity of Athlunkard Street adjacent to the Abbey River and a small number of other properties on the opposite bank. The five homes referred to on the Mill Road in the Corbally area are outside this designated area and, therefore, they were outside the scope of the scheme.
