Departmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Questions (438)

Denis Naughten

Question:

438. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a voluntary farm building relocation scheme further to flooding incidents has been established by his Department; if so, the number of applications received from each county under plans for farmyard relocation on foot of the severe flooding of winter 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17551/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief announced the introduction of a once-off targeted Voluntary Homeowner Relocation Scheme in 2017. As part of the announcement, the Minister outlined that a feasibility study would be undertaken in relation to a potential once-off targeted scheme for Voluntary Farm Building Relocation.

The study to determine the feasibility of any future once-off targeted scheme for Voluntary Farm Building Relocation is being undertaken. My Department has evaluated a range of at risk farmyards, impacted by flooding, to see if any alternative remedial works can be undertaken to protect farm buildings at risk of flooding and is currently considering this evaluation.