asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the danger to life and health and the serious loss of property caused in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown by the recent flooding; and if, in view of the frequency of flooding in this area during the past few years, he will take steps as a matter of extreme urgency to prevent a reoccurrence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding in Dublin Areas.
asked the Minister for Local Government if in view of the recent serious flooding at Dún Laoghaire, Dundrum, Churchtown, Rathfarnham and other adjacent areas he will take steps, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, to have the problem abated by whatever action is necessary.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
I have no information in regard to the effects of the recent flooding other than that contained in the Press reports. It appears that drains and watercourses were unable to cope with the abnormal run-off resulting from the exceptionally heavy rainfall last week. It is a matter for the local authorities concerned to consider whether the surface water drainage systems in their districts should be improved, especially if flooding is becoming more frequent. Dún Laoghaire Borough Corporation and Dublin County Council have had the problem under consideration for some years and a joint scheme is being formulated. As regards Churchtown I understand that a scheme for the alleviation of flooding is at present under consideration by Dublin Corporation.
Is the Minister aware that flooding of a very serious nature has occurred in these areas at least four times during the past 12 months? A considerable amount of property has been completely destroyed and on the last occasion the flooding was so serious that a number of people were almost drowned in their beds.
Can the Minister say when the schemes mentioned are likely to be put into operation?
I am afraid I cannot. I have not got any proposals in relation to these schemes.
Locally, it was stated at a public meeting that nothing could be done for these people because the Minister was solely responsible for the present situation. With your permission, Sir, I should like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy in the course of the afternoon.