Vol. 432 No. 6
93 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the loss and hardship suffered by members of the farming community in the area of Cappincur and the Meelaghans, Tullamore, County Offaly due to the serious flooding of the Tullamore River; if he will seek a detailed report on such loss; and if he will give the terms of the appropriate scheme of compensation to be paid to those adversely affected.
The Tullamore River is part of the Brosna catchment drainage scheme which was undertaken by the Office of Public Works under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 nearly forty years ago. Some flooding occurred as a result of the recent very heavy rainfall which gave rise to an exceptionally large volume of water in the channel, well in excess of the more normal volumes which it was designed to cope with. Unfortunately, the cost of constructing channels to cope with all eventualities would be prohibitive. The flooding which occurred on this occasion would have been far worse and of longer duration had the scheme not been carried out and maintained over the years. Within the resources available to it, the Office of Public Works keeps all channels well maintained.
The Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 stipulates those aspects of drainage construction works for which compensation is payable. The recent flooding is not covered by the terms of the Act and accordingly the Office does not have a scheme of compensation available in respect thereof. Nor does it have any funds available to meet the cost of any such scheme.
