Vol. 491 No. 6
152 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has for the continuation of the relocation of dwelling houses and farm yards scheme in south Galway as a result of the findings of the recently published report which states that it is likely that the floods will reoccur; and the possibility of works now being carried out to alleviate flooding in the area. [13087/98]
In view of the delay in completing the final report of the South Galway flood study and the fact that there are no economically viable flood relief schemes being recommended for implementation arising from this major investigation, it has been agreed to extend the closing date for receipt of applications under the Government's Humanitarian Aid for the Victims of Flooding in 1995 — home relocation scheme from 1 June 1988 to 1 October 1998. This time extension should provide ample opportunity for those who meet the qualifying criteria to submit their applications for assistance under the scheme.
In relation to the farmyard relocation relief scheme I am advised by my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Walsh, that in 1995 the Government allocated some £600,000 towards farmyard relocation in areas affected by severe flooding in early 1995. The scheme was confined to farmers whose farm buildings and farmyards were subjected to substantial flooding for a minimum of 21 consecutive days in the period January-March 1995. Only farmyards and buildings which were rendered totally inoperative due to high levels of flood water were considered; 135 applications were received but only 18 farmers qualified for aid under the scheme. To date two farmers have been paid £57,954.
