Michael Ring
Question:155 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he received a copy of the report on the landslide in north Mayo; and the measures his Department is taking to compensate the householders in the area. [28323/03]
Written Answers. - Mayo Landslide.
A copy of the report on the north Mayo landslides which was prepared by consultants for Mayo County Council was received in the Office of Public Works on 31 October.
The most important issue concerns the proposals for protecting properties and infrastructure in the event that further landslides occur. Consideration of these proposals is a matter for Mayo County Council and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Two issues raised in the report are of relevance to the Office of Public Works. First, in accordance with a Government decision, and following approval by the Minister for Finance, a humanitarian aid scheme is being implemented. The Irish Red Cross is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Office of Public Works. The scheme provides for aid to relieve hardship experienced by householders and is not providing compensation for losses. The Irish Red Cross has completed assessment of all the applications, except for a very small number of late applications which are still being processed. Payments under the scheme will commence before the end of this week.