Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 2

Written Answers. - Mayo Landslide.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

199 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a comprehensive report dealing with the landslides at Pullathomas and Glengad prepared for consultants by Mayo County Council; if he has examined this report; his views on the findings of the report; the nature of assistance, compensation or other support which his Department is prepared to offer the tenants and landowners of those affected by the landslides in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26750/03]

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

The report to which the Deputy refers was received in the Office of Public Works on 31 October.

The most important issue is, of course, the proposals that are set out for protecting properties and infrastructure in the event that further landslides occur. Consideration of these proposals is a matter for Mayo County Council and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

There are two issues raised in the report of relevance to the Office of Public Works. First, in accordance with a Government decision, and following approval by the Minister for Finance, a humanitarian aid scheme is being implemented. The Red Cross is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Office of Public Works. The scheme provides for aid to relieve hardship experienced by householders and is not providing compensation for losses. The Red Cross has completed assessment of applications and I would anticipate that payments will be made under the scheme before the end of the month.

Second, the Office of Public Works is prepared to consider requests from Mayo County Council for assistance in the form of machinery and personnel, similar to that already provided by the Office of Public Works in the initial clean-up. I emphasise, however, that other than this, the Office of Public Works has no responsibility in relation to the works recommended in the report.