asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that a considerable amount of damage was done by an abnormally high tide in certain places in County Galway in December last, consisting mainly of the destruction of or damage to quays, sea walls, roads, dwellinghouses, pits of potatoes and stacks of turf; and that, in particular, the following places are affected: Aran Islands, the islands of Mynish, Inishlacken, and Inishbofin, and the districts of Callow, Doohulla, Ballyconneely and Ailbrack; and whether it is his intention to have this damage repaired in the near future, more especially that part of it which interferes with the gathering and saving of seaweed.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Coastal Damage.
My attention has been called to the fact that damage to property at the places mentioned has occurred as a result of recent storms. With regard to the last part of the Deputy's question, I cannot accept the suggestion that it is the function of the State to repair damages of the kind. So far as private property is concerned, the repair of damage occasioned by storm is primarily a matter for the owner of the property; and as regards public works, the carrying out of repairs is a matter for the responsible local bodies. Arrangements are, however, being made to ascertain to what extent a measure of assistance on farms affected can be afforded under the Farm Improvements Scheme administered by the Department of Agriculture, and as to the possibility of carrying out works of repair on accommodation roads, etc., which have been constructed out of Employment Schemes grants. Where important public works have been extensively damaged, I would be prepared to consider the grant of some measure of financial assistance by way of a contribution towards the cost of repairs carried out by local authorities in cases in which the Minister for Local Government and Public Health recommended that such assistance should be given.