Vol. 526 No. 6
307 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consider financial assistance to local authorities in respect of additional remedial works required for roads arising from the recent heavy rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27285/00]
321 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will have arrangements made to pay compensation to local authorities, particularly where roads, bridges and other structures have been seriously damaged and where remedial works will have to be carried out as a matter of urgency in view of the recent flood damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27610/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 321 together.
The significant funds available to local authorities for road maintenance and improvement are designed to cover damage arising from flooding, storms and other severe weather conditions, and local authorities are reminded each year that a contingency sum should be set aside for this purpose. In principle, damage to non-national roads as a result of recent flooding, the extent of which is still being assessed by local authorities, should be addressed in this way.
My Department will also be sympathetic to any proposal that might be received from a county council to adjust its restoration programme to allow works arising from flood damage to be carried out. Damage to national roads is a matter to be addressed between road authorities and the National Roads Authority.
