Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
168 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on discussions between the Irish Insurance Federation and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance in relation to flooding; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that householders in Drumcondra, Dublin 9, still cannot obtain household insurance from any insurance company in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8764/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2002, I initiated a major review of the State's approach to flooding with the primary objective of developing a cohesive national flooding policy for the future. On 6 December 2002, I met the Irish Insurance Federation, IIF, which welcomed my decision to initiate the review and outlined its views and concerns. I indicated that the State would play its part in risk reduction and that, in turn, the insurance industry would be expected to act in a responsible manner. I invited the IIF to make a submission to the review group. A submission was received and OPW officials subsequently met with the IIF to clarify certain aspects of that submission.
These discussions, along with all others involved in the consultation process carried out as part of the policy review, have contributed to shaping the review group's draft final report. That report is currently being considered by Departments before being submitted to Government for final consideration in the very near future. I am confident that the recommendations of the report can lead to a much improved flood management regime in Ireland and will, in the long term, substantially mitigate the impact of flooding on society.
One of the key components of future flood management strategy is the development of flood maps. These provide valuable information to assist in numerous decision-making processes, for example, planning and development, flood works prioritisation and assessment of risk. In this regard, I can confirm that the OPW has commenced work on a flood mapping programme, the first phase of which will be completed in 2005.
I am not in a position to intervene with insurance companies in regard to the risks that they are unwilling to underwrite. The appropriate regulatory body for the industry is the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. I remain confident that the increased availability of risk information arising from the production of maps and other recommendations of the policy review, together with the implementation of a more strategic approach to flood management, will reduce exposure to risk and provide a more accurate basis upon which insurance companies formulate their decisions relating to potential flood damage in the future.
The final report of the River Tolka flooding study was published by Dublin City Council in December 2003 and details the measures required to protect homeowners against flooding along the river. The report is available on the Dublin City Council website and is also available to view in the library in Drumcondra. Copies of the report in CD-ROM format are also available from Dublin City Council.
An initial phase of works outlined in the report has already been completed by the Office of Public Works on behalf of Dublin City Council. The OPW and the city council are committed to carrying out the next phase of works in the current year, and discussions are ongoing to agree the detail and timing.
169 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to increase the number of pumping stations on the Cashen Estuary, County Kerry, to alleviate flooding at that location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8765/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been no change in the situation since my reply of 9 December 2003 to the Deputy on the same subject.
