Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 7

Written Answers. - Storm and Flood Damage.

Tom Enright

Question:

77 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received a report from Offaly County Council on the damage to roads in the county arising from the recent storm and floods; and if, having considered this report, he will provide a corresponding allocation of funds to carry out the necessary remedial works.

Tom Enright

Question:

116 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received a report from Laois County Council on the damage to the roads in the county arising from the recent storms and floods; if having considered this report he will immediately provide a corresponding allocation of funds to carry out the necessary remedial works; if his attention has been drawn to the damage caused within the county and the effect on some industries because they were unable to transport their goods and products from their factories to their destination especially in the south Laois area; and if he intends providing funds for the purchase of adequate machinery to grit, salt and sand roads in the county.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 116 together.

On 17 January I asked all county councils to submit reports on the damage caused, and the estimated cost of remedial works, to public roads and bridges as a result of the severe weather conditions in the early part of the month. Reports have been received from all county councils and are being assessed in my Department. When this is completed, I hope to be in a position to make grants available as a contribution towards the cost of remedial works to public roads and bridges.

Responsibility for dealing with the problem of snow and ice on roads rests with the local road authorities as part of their road maintenance programme. My Department issue advice to all local authorities on an annual basis about the steps to be taken to prepare for and deal with severe weather conditions. In addition, the Department have made special road grants available for the purchase of specialised snow clearance and gritting machinery.

During the period in January when roads were affected by snow and ice, the Department became aware of particular problems in Laois in keeping roads open to traffic. The local authority were given clearance, at the time, to order additional specialist equipment which will be financed from road grants this year. In addition, arrangements were made by the Department for the immediate delivery of some of that equipment to the local authority.