Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Flood Relief.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

472 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a request from the Enniscorthy Urban District Council to meet a deputation in relation to the funding of flo-bars to avoid the serious flooding problems that occurred early in November 2000; if a capital allocation will be made to relocate residents in the worst affected areas; if a detailed survey will be carried out on the River Slaney to see if there has been silting downstream on the river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1148/01]

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

I have received requests from both Enniscorthy Urban District Council and Wexford County Council to meet deputations to discuss various aspects of the flooding which occurred in the county, including the Enniscorthy area, in November 2000. I have last week confirmed a meeting with the county council for 8 February and it is considered that this deputation will fully represent the interests of those adversely affected. I have also advised Enniscorthy UDC that the matters of flo-bars and relocation of residents are matters for consideration by the Department of Environment and Local Government.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

473 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the action the Office of Public Works will take to help a person (details supplied) in County Mayo whose factory is being continually flooded by a river during periods of heavy rain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1216/01]

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

As I indicated in my reply to the Deputy's question dated 4 October 2000, the Commissioners of Public Works have no responsibility for maintenance of the river in question as it lies outside the boundaries of the Moy catchment drainage scheme. I understand that my officials had previously advised the Deputy that the Western Regional Fisheries Board proposed to clean a drain adjacent to the affected property which could help to alleviate the problem and that Mayo County Council were investigating road flooding in the area. As the Deputy is aware, I asked an Office of Public Works engineer to visit the property owner in December arising from the Deputy's representations and to advise him to contact the county council in the matter. It is suggested that he pursue this course, if he has not already done so.