The problem associated with the recent flooding countrywide, caused primarily by the excessively high rainfall over a prolonged period, has been the subject of many debates in both Houses of the Oireachtas in the last few weeks. In all of these both I, and my predecessor Deputy Hogan, have endeavoured to provide a positive response and have outlined in detail the specific measures being taken by the Government to meet the needs of those most seriously affected.
I take this opportunity to restate the position and to update Deputies on developments in the interventing period.
On the suggestion that certain parts of Counties Galway and Clare should be declared disaster areas, I have serious doubts as to the merits of such action or the terms under which it might be taken. While it might have the short term effect of stressing the need for immediate remedial or compensatory measures, this could well be outweighed by long term adverse effects, such as depreciation in property values and a negative impact on tourism in the region. It is my view, and one shared by many, that it would be more prudent to initiate the implementation of a remedial works scheme aimed at minimising the risk of a recurrence of the problem, especially when we consider the severe hardship suffered by many house owners in particular. I intend to do this.
In this connection I assure the House that I am very familiar with the problems in Counties Galway and Clare. Indeed it was a priority of mine to visit the areas to apprise myself of the position first hand. The unique geology of the south Galway area particularly makes the solution of the problem especially difficult.
Two studies have already been carried out, one by the Geological Survey of Ireland following the extensive flooding which occurred in 1990 and another by the Office of Public Works following the 1994 floods. Neither of the reports subsequently produced reached definitive conclusions as to the exact cause or causes of the drainage problems, but both concluded that they could not be easily or economically remedied.
Further detailed surveys are required to determine the regime of the groundwater in the region and in consequence the precise causes of the flooding. By now Deputies will be aware that my office published today an advertisement in the national press of its immediate intention to commission a study to accurately define the extent, nature and causes of flooding, identify recommended technical and/or non technical solutions, identify the ecological and environmental consequences of recommended solutions, and indicate costs and benefits. Consultants interested in undertaking the study have been invited to submit proposals to the Office of Public Works. This survey, a prerequisite of any scheme of works, will be undertaken with all haste.
It is also intended to put a number of other commissions in place to design flood defence schemes to protect other areas where serious problems have occurred.
To meet the expense involved, I am happy to note the Government has decided to provide a Supplementary Estimate for the Office of Public Works later this year. All the schemes will commence in 1995.
The Government also approved the heads of a Bill to amend the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 and has directed that it be given priority for drafting. That Bill will be introduced in the Seanad at the earliest possible opportunity and will be enacted into law as soon as possible thereafter. It will enable the Office of Public Works to undertake schemes to relieve localised flooding and meet fully the requirements of all who spoke on this matter in recent weeks.
Of the other issues listed in the motion Deputies may rest assured that the relevant State and public service agancies will be available at all times to lend assistance and provide their expertise as required. A one-stop-shop co-ordination all the services will be established in Gort before the end of this week.
In this connection the Government has directed that my office be the lead agency in dealing with the widespread flooding problems and has instructed it to prepare a full report for deliberation next week.
As Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works it is my responsibility, one which I do not take lightly, to chair the interdepartmental committee set up by Government to co-ordinate its response to the recent emergencies. This committee was convened for the first time yesterday when I was able to receive submissions from the many departmental officials present. We are now merging the various statements made with a view to formulating a co-ordinated response plan in the event that the recent widespread problems recur. I will pursue the matter further early next week.
On the need to provide special aid to affected people, I can only reiterate the measures already taken. The Government's immediate response was made in the context of the 1995 budget whereby a special compensation package was devised to compensate farmers for loss of fodder and livestock. A fund of £2 million was established for this package and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry announced that payments will be made quickly. I am assured there is no basis for fears expressed that the scheme is too narrowly focused, to the extent that only a few may benefit; the guidelines are fairly wide ranging. An additional allocation of £4 million was made for the repair of county roads.
Existing measures include the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which enables health boards to respond to exceptional or urgent needs including those arising from flooding. However, as there have been very few applications for assistance to date, I have requested the Minister for Social Welfare to consider the possibility of publicising the scheme more widely, especially in the Western Health Board area which covers the area in question. Advertisements in this regard will be broadcast shortly on Galway Bay Radio.
I am travelling to Brussels tomorrow to present Ireland's case for assistance from the special EU fund for victims of flooding. It is intended that any funds secured will be distributed by the Irish Red Cross Society. Such funding is being channelled through the society in other member states. The Irish Red Cross Society has a proven ability to distribute such funds successfully, having done so on a number of occasions, most recently in 1993.
I am also endeavouring to seek funding for the long-term resolution of the flooding and drainage problems which occur all too frequently in Ireland.
