Severe Weather Events Response

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 February 2014

Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Ceisteanna (414, 421)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

414. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will request the Office of Public Works to carry out emergency remedial works at Waterville, County Kerry, as a matter of priority, as significant damage was done during the recent storms and high tides; if he will make the necessary funding available to protect the promenade and Ring of Kerry N70 at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4882/14]

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

421. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will assign funding to fix the promenade and reinforce coastal protection of the Ring of Kerry N70 at Waterville village, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5287/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 414 and 421 together.

During the period from 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014 Ireland was subjected to a series of severe storms, affecting the country roughly once every three days. In addition to the very strong winds, there were periods of extremely heavy rain and a lot of thunderstorm activity. These storms coincided with high spring tides and created severe and damaging conditions in a number of coastal areas. On 14 January I brought an Interim Report to Government on the storms, compiled by my Department in its capacity as lead Government Department for the response to severe weather.

At the request of Government, my Department is currently collating more detailed reports from local authorities on the anticipated repair and recovery works, including related costings. This will enable Government, through the specific areas of responsibility of relevant Departments and Agencies, to support the local authorities on recovery measures.