asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the recent flooding of houses at Spa Walk and Bridge Street, Mallow, County Cork; and, if so, if his Department will make a grant available to Mallow Urban Council to clean the river at Spa Walk.

I understand that the problem arising out of the recent flooding in Mallow is being investigated jointly by Mallow Urban District Council and Cork County Council with a view to the formulation of a scheme of remedial works. I am not in a position to say at this stage what financial assistance, if any, may be made available.

Will the Minister say whether his Department will consider giving financial assistance to the local authority?

Certainly, in the normal scheme of things.