asked the Minister for Local Government whether the Government have under consideration any plans to repair damage caused by recent flooding; and, if so, whether he will outline any such plans.
37.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of Flood Damage.
36.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether with regard to the recent flooding in Cork City and County he will give assistance by way of grants to the local authorities concerned to remedy the damage; and what expert advice he is prepared to place at the disposal of those concerned with a view to finding some permanent solution of the problem.
38.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange that loans at two per cent. interest be given by Cork Corporation to people to replace goods or stocks destroyed by recent flooding in the city as was done in the case of flooding in the West.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 37 and 38 together.
The repair of damage caused by recent flooding is a matter in the first instance for the persons and bodies concerned. I have no funds at my disposal for the making of grants to local authorities to remedy or repair flood damage, and no arrangements are contemplated for special financial assistance by way of grants or lowinterest loans. State subsidies are of course available towards loan charges on approved schemes for the prevention or relief of flooding in urban areas. Repair grants under the Housing Acts are available in cases of structural damage to private dwellings. Road authorities may also avail of their Road Fund allocations to repair damaged roads and bridges in appropriate cases.
As regards expert advice with a view to a permanent solution of flooding problems, I would refer Deputy Corry to my reply of the 14th March, 1962, to questions by Deputies A. Barry and Barrett on this point.