(Tipperary) asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the cause of the delay in payment of compensation to the tenants of the Twiss-Henry Estate, Birdhill, County Tipperary, for damage done to their lands during the year 1930 by flooding, consequent on works connected with the Shannon Electricity Scheme; and if he will also state what measures it is proposed to take to prevent a repetition of this flooding.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Lands.
Mr. Timothy Sheehy
The claim for compensation made by the occupiers in respect of flooding of the Pollagh meadow lands alleged to be due to the Kilmastulla river diversion was accompanied by a request for the construction of works to prevent flooding. It has been necessary to undertake an extensive survey in order to determine how far, if at all, the flooding is due to the Shannon Works, whether it is practicable to prevent flooding by the construction of works, and what the cost of those works would be as compared with the cost of compensation. The survey which involved much detailed ascertainment of levels is now approaching completion, and I expect to have a report on the whole of this difficult question within the next month.
Mr. Sheehy
When the Minister gets this report will he consider compensation for the tenants affected, and the 1930 claim? To a question which I put to the Minister on the 7th March, 1928, he gave me the following answer: "Claims for compensation in respect of additional flooding alleged to be due to the Shannon works have been received and have been examined by a valuer on my behalf. His report is in preparation and I will have it examined with a view to the prompt payment of such compensation as may be considered reasonable in the circumstances. The engineers in charge of the works are making every effort consistent with their construction as planned, to avoid any preventable flooding."
It is a long time since March, 1928, and the thing has not yet been speeded up. To my mind it is high time that something should be done to prevent this flooding, so that no further damage may be done. Either that should be done or the Minister should consider paying compensation in these cases. These tenants have to pay annuities and rates. As regards the annuities, will the Land Commission take into consideration the fact that their hay crop will be of no use to them during the coming season, as the flooding has left their lands valueless?
The Deputy referred to the answer that I gave him in 1928. That could not have referred to the flooding caused in 1930, the matter to which this present question refers. Compensation has been paid in certain cases where it was clearly proved that the damage was due to the Shannon works. Compensation would always have to be paid where it could be proved that the damage was due to the Shannon works, but in this case the claim for simple compensation was complicated by an additional claim that preventive works should be entered upon. It is in order to get that question fully considered that the report this year has been a little more delayed. It actually has not in time been delayed more than the previous report. The whole thing has been considered and will be speeded up as much as possible.
Mr. Sheehy
The same flooding existed in 1928 that exists now. I am very anxious that such flooding should be prevented as soon as possible.
We would much rather prevent than compensate, but it is a difficult question.