Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 4

Written Answers. - Flood Relief.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

49 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to South Tipperary County Council to repair the extensive road damage in the Hollyford and Annacarthy area caused by exceptional rain and heavy flooding in August 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16223/97]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

My Department recently received a request from Tipperary (SR) County Council for additional funding to meet the cost of road works necessitated by flood damage.

As stated in my reply to Question No. 349 of 30 September, the funds available to local authorities from State grants and local resources for non-national road maintenance and improvement are in principle designed to cover contingencies arising from flooding, storm damage and other severe weather conditions. Subject to this overriding principle and to the availability of funds for reallocation, my Department is prepared to examine requests from local authorities for assistance in cases of demonstrated emergency need. This examination is being completed in the present case and Tipperary (SR) County Council will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.