asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has yet received the report of the valuer who examined claims for compensation arising out of the alleged flooding caused by the Shannon Works at Birdhill, Pollock, County Tipperary, and whether he will state the reason for the delay in payment of compensation to the farmers in this area, whose lands are stated to have been flooded.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Shannon Scheme Flooding.
The claims for compensation in respect of alleged losses stated to be due to flooding at Birdhill, Pollock area, in consequence of the Shannon Works, are still under investigation by the valuer, who is at present in Limerick dealing with the matter. On receipt of the valuer's report there will be no avoidable delay in dealing with his recommendation.
Mr. Sheehy
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I had written his Department as regards this matter and on 7th August I received the following reply: "I am desired by the Minister for Industry and Commerce to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 5th inst. with reference to the flooding of hay crops at Birdhill. I am to say that Mr. McGilligan is having the matter investigated and will cause a further communication to be addressed to you at an early date"? Nothing has been received since. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the lands of ten or twelve tenants are greatly in danger of being flooded at Birdhill and that there has been no action taken so far? On 7th March I asked a question in this House on that matter and the question was: "To ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that serious flooding has been caused at Birdhill and Pollock by the working of the Shannon Electricity Scheme. Whether any compensation has been given to those who were flooded out and what action, if any, has been taken to prevent a recurrence of these floods." The answer I received was: "Flooding is a normal occurrence in the winter in this area. Claims for compensation in respect of additional flooding alleged to be due to the Shannon works have been received and have been examined by a valuer on my behalf. His report is in preparation and I will have it examined with a view to prompt payment of such compensation as may be considered reasonable in the circumstances. The engineers in charge of the works are making every effort consistent with their construction as planned to avoid any preventable flooding." Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that since that date serious flooding has occurred and nothing has been done?
The position is, as I mentioned in my answer to the Deputy, that the valuer is at present in Limerick investigating these particular claims, and nothing can be done pending the receipt of his report. However, I will have the matter expedited in every possible way.
Mr. Sheehy
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are leakages in the embankments there?
As I have already indicated to the Deputy, I will have the matter dealt with as soon as possible.