Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
301. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if compensation was ever paid for loss of income in the Claregalway Cregmore area, County Galway, by the Office of Public Works under the arterial drainage schemes due to flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7747/14]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has not paid compensation for loss of income due to flooding arising from works carried out by the Office under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts in the Claregalway/Cregmore area. Compensation was paid in respect of loss or damage arising in connection with interference with property during the construction of the works, as provided for in the Acts.
The Corrib Clare Arterial Drainage Scheme was constructed by the OPW between 1954 and 1964. The purpose of the scheme was to provide outfall to facilitate land drainage. Maintenance of the scheme channels and associated structures, including those in the area in question, is carried out on an ongoing basis, in accordance with the OPW's statutory obligations under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945.
In 2011, the OPW carried out substantial advance works for the Clare River (Claregalway) Drainage Scheme, the purpose of which is to reduce flood risk in the area. It is expected that construction of the remaining elements of the scheme will commence this year. I understand that the advance works had a significant beneficial effect in the area during the recent storms.
