Written Answers. - Cost of Flood and Rain Damage.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
84
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment
if he will seek information from the various local authorities to determine the cost in terms of damage to roads, bridges or footpaths and other such infrastructure with a view to making Structural Funds available following the recent widespread flooding with consequent damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
85
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment
if he will approve, or seek to have approved, the spending of Structural Funds for the restoration and repair of services and property or other uninsurable perishables; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
86
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment
if EC Structural Funds or other such funding from his Department will be made available to, or through, local authorities or to his agencies for the repair of storm and flood damage on the weekend of 11 to 13 June 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
87
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment
if he will have arrangements made for the allocation of funds to Kildare County Council for the repair of rain damage caused during recent down-pours; if he has sought or will seek an estimate of cost for the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
89
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment
if he will make the necessary funds available to Kildare County Council to restore/repair any local authority or other housing damage not covered by insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 85, 86, 87 and 89 together.
Local authorities are aware that the cost of remedial works to public roads and bridges arising as a result of flood damage must be met from the discretionary grants for non-national roads and from the maintenance grants for national roads. In the current year, these grants amount to £69.45 million and £20.7 million respectively. It is a matter for these authorities to make reasonable provision for such contingencies when preparing their annual road works programme. The same position applies in relation to other local authority property and facilities. Repair and maintenance works do not, of course, qualify for Structural Fund assistance.
In the case of damage to residential property caused by heavy rainfall and flooding, it is essentially a matter for householders to have the buildings and contents insured against such damage. There are no funds available to me to provide assistance in respect of such damage. However, as I indicated in reply to Private Notice Questions on 15 June, assistance may be available from health boards, in necessitous cases, under the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly to remedy damage to the householders' living conditions. Where necessary local authorities have also helped through the provision of temporary accommodation.
As I also indicated in my replies on 15 June, a health board may, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme, assist a person where an urgent need arises. While this is a matter for the Minister for Social Welfare, I understand that the boards already have helped by providing temporary accommodation, have contributed towards the replacement of household furnishings and appliances damaged by floods and have made cash subventions where warranted. Individuals affected by the flooding who need assistance should contact their local community welfare officer.
The EC Commission has notified a provisional allocation of 200,000 ECU (c. £160,000) to assist victims of the flooding and the use to which these funds might appropriately be put is now under consideration.
