Flood Relief Schemes Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2014

Wednesday, 5 February 2014

Questions (109)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

109. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will have the Office of Public Works look at the damage done during the recent storms at a location (details supplied) and to quantify the damage done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5816/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

During the period from 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014 Ireland was subjected to a series of severe storms, affecting the country roughly once every three days. In addition to the very strong winds, there were periods of extremely heavy rain and a lot of thunderstorm activity. These storms coincided with high spring tides and created severe and damaging conditions in a number of coastal areas.

On 14 January I brought an Interim Report to Government on the storms, compiled by my Department in its capacity as lead Government Department for the response to severe weather. At the request of Government, my Department is currently collating more detailed reports from local authorities on the anticipated repair and recovery works, including related costings. This will enable Government, through the specific areas of responsibility of relevant Departments and Agencies, to support the local authorities on recovery measures.

Further considerable damage has been caused by flooding in recent days, and the forecast is for more severe weather over the coming days. Details on damage caused and estimated repair costs in relation to these more recent events will also be made available to Government. A coordinated local response is underway in the affected areas, led by the relevant local authorities operating in tandem with a range of Government Departments, Agencies, voluntary organisations and communities. The Principal Response Agencies remain on alert to respond to possible future events. At its meeting on 4 February, the Government decided to make an immediate allocation of €15 million for emergency purposes pending a fuller assessment of the situation over the coming weeks.