I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 81, 82 and 83 together.
In relation to Lough Funshinagh, a range of flood mitigation options were considered. It was determined that the options were not economically or environmentally sustainable. These extreme high water levels, while rare, are within the naturally occurring range. There is no evidence to suggest that the flooding was due to an abnormal decrease in the outflow rate from the Lough other than that due to possible seasonal variation in the subsurface water level. It remains open to Roscommon County Council to make an application under the Minor Works Flood Mitigation Scheme should further measures be identified in the future that meet the Scheme criteria to mitigate flooding. It is understood that a meeting will be convened with all of the relevant stakeholders shortly.
The Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme was introduced by the Government to address the very serious flooding of those properties that flooded in the Winter of 2015/16, including those properties flooded by turloughs. To date, 7 homeowners in the State have received Humanitarian Assistance in the sum of €1,674,861
which has enabled them to relocate and purchase a replacement dwelling house under the Scheme. A further 28 other applicants are at various stages in progressing through the Scheme, including considering possible engineering solutions. I have no proposals to amend the Scheme at this time.
I understand that the introduction of a voluntary farm building relocation scheme is being progressed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I am advised by my Office that it has commissioned a report on options and recommendations, within the parameters of the Public Spending Code, for the future economic appraisal of investment in capital flood relief schemes. This report will help to inform consideration by the OPW of the circumstances in which the existing economic appraisal may not reflect the full value of the scheme.