asked the Minister for the Environment the total approximate cost of damage caused as a result of the storm of 25 August 1986 in (a) the Dublin metropolitan area; (b) the rest of the country; to what date the figures have been calculated; and the aid, if any, which will be forthcoming from the Exchequer to the local authorities and the health boards, who would have been faced with the initial expenditures.
Written Answers. - Cost of Storm Damage.
78.
I have not the information on which to base an overall estimate of the total cost of the damage referred to or the portion of that cost which related to the Dublin metropolitan area. In so far as the services for which my Department has responsibility and related services are concerned, the provision for special additional financial assistance to local authorities and health boards includes:
—An additional £1 million to recoup the cost of special housing aid for the elderly and needy.
—Grants totalling (a) £384,800 to Dublin Corporation and County Council, and (b) £3,226,000 to other local authorities in respect of making good the damage caused to roads and bridges. (These amounts are included in the grants totalling £6.5 million being made available in respect of the flooding of 25-26 August, and the earlier flooding of 5 August and 28 June).
—Recoupment of expenditure (totalling £95,000 to date) to the health boards on the provision of clothing, bedding, cooking facilities and other immediate needs of persons affected by the storm.