Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 December 2016
271. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has reached agreement with the insurance industry on the use of demountable defences; if the insurance industry has given any assurance that flood cover will be reinstated once a flood defence scheme involving demountable defences has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40645/16]
View answerI met with Insurance Ireland in July this year, shortly after taking office. During our meeting, I highlighted that for the four completed schemes where demountable defences are involved, each are built to the required 1 in 100 year standard and, as witnessed last Winter, each successfully provided levels of flood protection to properties. I have secured a commitment from the industry to consider the risk it currently associates with demountable defences and the OPW will in the coming weeks be providing the detailed information sought by the industry to that end.
The OPW and the Department of Finance are continuing to engage, now on a quarterly basis, with Insurance Ireland through the Memorandum of Understanding between Insurance Ireland and the Office of Public Works that was signed on 24 March 2014.
At the most recent meeting on 8 December 2016, it was decided that a sub group would be created to focus and accelerate the exchange of data and information with the aim of increasing levels of flood cover in areas where demountable defences are in use.
I am happy with the work of the Group thus far and am confident that it will continue to progress the issue of flood insurance.
