Vol. 513 No. 1
561 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious flooding which occurred in St. Mary's parish and Corbally in Limerick on Christmas Eve 1999; his views on the cause of the unexpected flooding; if he will give a commitment to pay full compensation to householders for any damage caused by the floods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1782/00]
I understand that the flooding in Limerick was mainly due to a combination of heavy rainfall and unprecedented high tides. Such relief measures as were possible, including pumping operations, were carried by Limerick Corporation with the assistance of the Army and Civil Defence. Temporary bunds constructed in connection with the Limerick main drainage scheme, which it was considered might be contributing to slowing the abatement of flood waters in the area adjacent to Abbey River, were also breached by the contractor at the corporation's request.
I understand that, in the meantime, the corporation has put a number of short-term measures in place in an effort to mitigate the effects of any recurrence of the flooding and also intends to initiate a detailed study, involving outside consultants, with a view to identifying a long-term solution to the problem. If any proposals emanate from this study that would be eligible for funding under my Department's water services or roads programmes they will be carefully considered.
With regard to compensation for householders for loss or damage caused by flooding, I regret that no funds are available to me for that purpose. In many cases residents would be covered by household insurance.
