asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state how residents in the Lee valley will be compensated for (i) damage caused to their land and buildings by floodings caused by the Electricity Supply Board hydro-electric schemes, and (ii) land and property acquired by the board; further, if he will state what period of notice these residents will be given before flooding of the area is undertaken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lee Valley Residents' Compensation.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that, in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1945, residents in the Lee valley affected by the hydro-electric scheme will be compensated on the basis of settlements negotiated between the owners of the properties concerned and the board. In the event of a settlement not being reached by negotiation, the compensation payable by the board will be determined by arbitration under the provisions of the Act referred to.
The Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1945, also provides that one month's notice, in the case of land, and three months' notice, in the case of an occupied dwelling must be given to the occupiers of such land or dwellinghouse where the land or house is to be flooded or will be required for the purposes of the hydro-electric development scheme. I am informed by the board that in order to prevent hardship to residents, it is the practice of the board to serve notice so as to allow the owners and occupiers affected the maximum period possible in which to arrange for the acquisition of new holdings. In following this policy the board state that as much as three years' notice will be given in some cases but in a few instances, i.e., at the site of the dams possession of the necessary land will be required at an early date. The board further state that negotiations for the purchase of this land have already been initiated.