Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Flood Relief.

Willie Penrose

Question:

231 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if an urgent detailed examination will be carried out in relation to the banks which surround Lough Owel, Tullaghan, Mullingar; if adequate provision will be made to allow the reinforcement of these banks to take place as the water is currently within 12 inches of the top of the existing bank structure, which is disintegrating at various points; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that if the river was to overflow this could lead to the flooding of Mullingar and the surrounding hinterlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2447/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

Lough Owel is not part of any drainage scheme for which the Commissioners of Public Works have responsibility. The commissioners have therefore no authority to undertake work to reinforce the banks. The Commissioners of Public Works have power under the Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Act 1995 to undertake work to prevent or reduce localised flooding. The Office of Public Works is currently working on a number of schemes under the priority flood relief programme and the available financial resources are fully committed on this programme for the immediate future.

Local authorities have power under the Local Authorities (Works) Act 1949, to undertake work where they are of the opinion that land in their functional area is likely to sustain damage from flooding. The Office of Public Works would be happy to give any possible advice and assistance to the local authority. I have recently established a high-level national flood policy review group. The group has a wide-ranging remit and its terms of reference include drawing up proposals on how the State should respond to different categories of flooding and recommending which agencies should have responsibility in each case.