asked the Minister for Local Government if an evaluation of the bomb damage at Pettigo, County Donegal, has yet been carried out.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Bomb Damage.
7.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the explosion which occurred on 28th September last. I understand that the total amount of preliminary claims made against Donegal County Council in respect of the damage caused in that instance is £136,775. The council is having its own assessment made of the damage incurred but this assessment has not yet been completed. In the case of malicious damage to property, the final evaluation is made by the courts in the granting of decrees for compensation.
I understand that in the case of damage caused by the explosions in Pettigo in July and December, 1972, the court granted decrees of £521 and £5,369 on foot of the two claims of £1,000 and £20,000 so far dealt with.
Does the Minister appreciate that many people with roofless houses are awaiting having repairs carried out pending the final assessment? This is a rather awkward situation for the residents of Mill Street, Pettigo.
I am not aware of that but I quite appreciate that it could be so. I do not know why they should have roofless houses for so long. Donegal County Council are the people with whom they will have to settle finally in the courts. I could not give an estimate as to how long it will take or what the result will be.