Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 March 2018
26. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has received requests for additional funding from other Departments relating to the cost of Storm Emma and related bad weather events; the estimated cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12893/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn its role as the lead Government Department for the response to severe weather events, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has responsibility for coordinating any additional expenditure needs arising from the response.
Funding estimates for the repair of relevant infrastructure is calculated by the relevant Departments in line with their sectoral responsibility. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is in the process of collating the costs associated with Storm Emma and each Department has been asked to quantify the estimates for economic loss, costs and damage within their sector and to communicate directly with Local Authorities and other relevant agencies regarding funding required for repairs and restoration. In the past, assistance in meeting these costs has been provided through savings identified in the relevant Departments and, in the first instance, this approach will also be followed in this case. Exceptionally, such as in 2016 following damage to transport infrastructure, funding can be provided by way of Supplementary Estimate. Officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will of course engage with their counterparts on these cost estimates, once compiled, thus ensuring that adequate resources are made available to cover the costs associated with Storm Emma.
