Fergus O'Dowd
Question:115 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the financial assistance he can offer to businesses and householders in view of the recent disastrous flooding in many parts of the country. [27535/04]
View answerTuesday, 23 November 2004
Questions (72, 73)
Tom Hayes
Question:133 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the steps he intends to take to alleviate the hardship felt by many residents and business people throughout the country who have been adversely affected by recent flooding; if he has satisfied himself with the flood prevention programmes in place in towns and cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27703/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 133 together.
At its meeting on 2 November 2004 the Government approved the establishment of a humanitarian aid scheme to relieve hardship arising from the flooding of people's homes as a result of severe rainfall over several days during the last week of October 2004. The Irish Red Cross has been appointed to administer the scheme on the ground. My officials in the Office of Public Works met on 3 November 2004 with the IRC to finalise arrangements for the scheme and advertising of the scheme in both the national and local media commenced on 7 November 2004. The closing date for receipt of applications for aid is 24 November 2004.
The scheme applies to homes. It does not apply to businesses. It is emphasised that the scheme is humanitarian and is designed to relieve hardship. It is not compensation for losses and is not a substitute for insurance. Eligibility criteria for assistance will be in line with previous aid schemes, namely death, serious injury, damage to home or extreme hardship. The scheme applies countrywide.
In regard to flood prevention programmes in towns and cities, the OPW is committed to the implementation of a national priority programme of drainage schemes to alleviate localised flooding problems. This priority programme was drawn up following the severe flooding of 1994-95 and the passing of the Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Act 1995 which gave the Commissioners of Public Works powers to undertake drainage schemes to alleviate localised flooding. The first localised flood relief scheme carried out by the OPW on behalf of the Government under the Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Act 1995 began in 1996. Other areas have been added to the list in the intervening years. To date, 12 schemes have been completed and the major scheme currently under construction in Kilkenny city will also be substantially completed before the end of this year. The estimated capital cost of projects currently in the OPW's flood relief programme is in the order of €400 million.
The Government is committed to a strategic flood management policy. In that context I remind the Deputies that the Government at its meeting on 21 September last approved the recommendations of the flood policy review group. This confirms the role of the OPW in taking a strategic approach to flood management in the future and working in co-operation with the relevant local authorities. The programme of flood relief schemes on hand will be implemented as resources permit in the context of an integrated, long-term strategy on flood management measures, for example, flood warning systems, flood mapping, guidelines on development and formulation of catchment flood risk management plans to foster a catchment-based approach to flood management. Account will be taken of the need to prioritise expenditure in the areas of greatest need and to be mindful of the implications of climate change. I am glad to be able to report that the OPW has already commenced work on the development of flood warning systems and flood hazard mapping as the first steps in this new approach. I am satisfied that a coherent, sustainable, long-term strategy on flood management is now in place consistent with the recommendations of the flood policy review group and combining structural and non-structural measures.