andMr. Carroll asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received any report, and if he will make a statement, with regard to the recent flooding of the River Dodder; and in particular whether it is intended to make a grant to compensate residents of Orwell Gardens, Rathgar, and other areas who sustained damage as a result of the flooding; and what proposals exist, or are contemplated, to safeguard such persons against future damage by flooding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flooding of River Dodder.
10.
I would refer the Deputies to my statement on flooding damage and compensation, in reply to similar questions from Deputy Cosgrave on the 7th January, 1959.
As the Deputies are, no doubt, aware, certain works for improving the River Dodder between Rathfarnham Bridge and Ballsbridge, including the removal of obstructions and the construction of training walls and weirs, were undertaken by the Dublin Corporation in the period from 1954 to 1956.
As regards further measures, I understand that the corporation are investigating the causes of flooding by the Dodder and certain other rivers in the city area.
The other Deputies and I who put down this question, asked the Minister if he had received any report with regard to the recent flooding. Am I to take it from his reply that he feels that he must depend on the investigation being carried out by Dublin Corporation before he can reply to that part of the question?
In so far as the flooding in Orwell Gardens is concerned, the only information I have is that which has appeared in the newspapers. In regard to any other flooding in the vicinity, or in the Dublin area, I would be dependent on the information supplied by the Dublin Corporation, or the local authority concerned, as the case may be.
May I urge on the Minister that, having regard to the precedent set up by the former Government with regard to compensation in such cases, he should reconsider the reply which he gave on the 7th January to a similar question addressed to him by, I think. Deputy Cosgrave?
I think that reply must stand.
I would like to give notice that I wish to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.