Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 6

Written Answers. - Mayo Landslide.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

381 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if a suitable compensation package and tax incentive scheme will be arranged for the Knocknacower area in view of the census findings that the area, which includes the Pullathomas-Inver area, is the worst unemployment blackspot here and the other indications from the census relating to the north and west Mayo areas that show it is the worst economically deprived area in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24279/03]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 3 of 16 October 2003 which sets out the position in relation to my Department's response to the recent landslide in the Pullathomas-Inver area of north Mayo. In addition, I also indicated that the Government has decided to initiate an ex gratia scheme of humanitarian assistance to relieve hardship caused to individual householders in the Pollathomas-Inver area. This scheme will be administered through the Office of Public Works with aid distributed by the Irish Red Cross Society. The question of tax incentive schemes would be primarily a matter for the Minister for Finance.