asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will state when the claims for compensation in respect of damage to crops on farms over which electric cables have been carried during the erection of standards and poles, will be dealt with; by whom compensation for such damage will be payable, and to whom should claims therefor be forwarded.
Written Answers. - Electric Standards on Farms.
Compensation for damage to crops consequent on the erection of the transmission line in connection with the Shannon Scheme is payable by me, except in so far as the contractor could have avoided all or part of the damage by the exercise of reasonable care. The procedure adopted is that valuers appointed by this Department call upon each occupier concerned in turn and discuss with him the matter of compensation. Where agreement is reached, normally the compensation is paid in cash on the spot. Compensation has been paid to the majority of occupiers on Loops 1 (approximating to Munster) and 4 (approximating to Leinster, and the valuers are at present engaged in assessing and paying compensation on Loops 2 (approximating to Connaught) and 3 (approximating to Northern Saorstát). Immediately these loops are completed the valuers will be instructed to assess compensation on the 10 Kv. lines within these loops so far as the lines may be completed.