Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 8

Written Answers. - Tipperary Flooding.

Noel Dempsey

Ceist:

43 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Finance if he has investigated the causes of the recent flooding in Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; by whom this investigation was carried out; the results of this investigation; and the proposals, if any, to prevent serious flooding in the future. [3352/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Coveney)

The Commissioners of Public Works have investigated the causes of the flooding in Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary. They have received copies of reports and correspondence relating to the recent flooding in those areas from a number of sources, including Tipperary South Riding County Council, Clonmel Corporation, Carrick-on-Suir Urban District Council and the Meteorological Service. Office of Public Works officials met and discussed the flooding problems with officials of the local authorities concerned. All the reports mention the exceptional combination of meteorological conditions which occurred in the week on and about 6 January 1996 as being the primary cause of the flooding.

The Office of Public Works received a request from Tipperary South Riding County Council for assistance in conducting hydrological studies of the River Suir catchment area to ascertain the feasibility of remedial works to prevent-reduce the possibility of such severe flood damage in the future and to consider other works and actions which could reduce the damage and disruption caused. This request is under active consideration at present and a decision on the matter will be made shortly. I have asked the office of Public Works to provide appropriate support and advice to Tipperary South Riding County Council.