Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 8

Adjournment Debate. - Carlow Town Flooding.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): I wish to express my thanks for the opportunity to raise this matter this evening. The River Barrow, like all rivers, is a marvellous asset for any town, but unfortunately this asset can become a liability when it overflows its banks. Carlow town is very proud of the River Barrow, but unfortunately the town has been hit twice in three years by flooding. It is time something was done about this matter so that there will not be a third occurrence of flooding.

Many of the houses that were flooded were built in the 1840s. From what I have been told, in 50 years there were only three floods, with a major flood in 1847. However, we can neither live in the past nor talk about the present. Nor is it sufficient to say that nature takes over when the rains come or ask what can we do when the floods arrive. I suggest that two things should be done. First, the river should be dredged and any obstacles that hold back the flood removed. I hope the Minister will be prepared to carry out a study on the difficulty involved in drainage of the River Barrow. The second consideration should be the building of a wall to keep the floods in, which is possible. If that is agreed, work may need to be carried out downriver, because obviously we cannot prevent a flood in one part of the town while causing a flood in another part. Such a study must be carried out with speed to prevent further flooding.

The families and businesses whose premises were recently flooded experienced great difficulties and I ask the Minister what compensation will be given to these people. The cost of drying out a house is very high and in some cases, due to the location of the house, there is no insurance cover. Businesses experienced even greater loss because as goods were damaged business had to cease. It is bad enough to experience flooding and all its attendant problems, but the financial expenditure involved in replacing fittings and equipment is an extra burden. I hope the Minister will have positive news on the drainage of the Barrow and on compensation for those affected by the flooding.

Mr. Browne

(Wexford): I think Deputy Browne for raising this matter. As the Minister for the Environment stated to the Dáil last week, the exceptional flooding which began on Friday, 11 June has had heavy and disruptive consequences for both urban and rural communities. Our sympathy goes to all who have suffered hardship and inconvenience, but in particular to the families bereaved by the tragic losses of life which occurred. I understand that flooding occurred in a number of areas of Carlow town during the period 13 June to 18 June. It appears that this was mainly due to the River Barrow overflowing its banks following the exceptionally heavy rainfall which occurred earlier.

The responsibilities of the Minister for the Environment relate to the financing of projects designed to provide adequate drainage of urban catchments within the framework of the water and sanitary services programme. The causes of the recent unfortunate flooding in Carlow go beyond the question of urban drainage. The development of specific proposals in respect of water and sanitary services schemes is a matter for individual local authorities. Deputy Browne will be aware that severe flooding also occurred at Kennedy Street and other parts of Carlow town in early 1990. To assist in relieving the problems arising from flooding, my Department provided some £50,000 for drainage improvement in the areas concerned. No further proposals are with my Department at present for any additional drainage works at Carlow town. I suggest that the Deputy put forward proposals to Carlow County Council if the problem is as serious as he says it is.

The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for the State to undertake liability for the kind of extensive damage to houses and other property occasioned all around the country by the recent flooding. However, as the Minister indicated in reply to private notice questions on 15 June, assistance may be available from health boards to elderly persons, under the scheme of special housing aid for the elderly, to remedy damage to their living conditions which they are unable to undertake from their own resources.

A health board may also, under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, assist a necessitous person where an urgent need arises. I understand that the boards already have helped by providing temporary accommodation and contributed towards the replacement of household furnishings and appliances damaged by floods and have made cash subventions where warranted. Individuals affected by the flooding who need assistance should contact their local community welfare officer. Where necessary, local authorities can also help through the provision of temporary accommodation.

The EC Commission has notified a provisional allocation of 200,000 ECU — £160,000 — to assist victims of the flooding. The use to which these funds might appropriately be put is now under consideration. Perhaps in that regard Carlow County Council and the people involved will apply to the Department of the Environment for funding.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): Will all that money go to Carlow?

Mr. Browne

(Wexford): No, but we will give it favourable consideration.