Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
539. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will advise residents on the Clontarf Road, Dublin 3, on the way in which they can get home insurance on account of the fact that the insurance companies have designated this area as a flooding area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17700/13]
View answerThe decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover, and the price at which it is offered, is a commercial matter for insurance companies based on the assessment of the risks involved.
In order to assist and facilitate insurance companies in their assessment of flood risk, the OPW has been engaged with the insurance industry to agree a basis for the provision of information on flood defence works and schemes that have been funded and completed by the OPW. To progress this work a working group has been established between the OPW, the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) and representatives of several insurance companies.
In relation to Clontarf, Dublin City Council developed proposals for a flood defence scheme to provide protection against coastal flooding for which the OPW agreed to provide funding. However, when the proposals were exhibited to the public by the Council there were a number of objections and as a result the scheme did not proceed. If alternative proposals are developed by the Council, they will be considered for funding by the OPW having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
If a flood protection scheme does go ahead for Clontarf in due course, then, when completed, full details of the level and standard of protection provided by the scheme will be made available to the insurance industry which should facilitate the provision of insurance cover for those residents of the area who are experiencing difficulties in getting such cover at the moment.
Homeowners experiencing difficulties with flood insurance can contact the Irish Insurance Federation free Insurance Information Service. Their service can be contacted at (01) 676 1914 or by email at iis@iif.ie.
