Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers - Laois Snowstorm Damage.
- Laois snowstorm damage reimbursement 18 speeches
The Minister said a Supplementary Estimate would provide for local authorities’ abnormal snowstorm costs but could not say how much Laois or other councils would receive or when. Deputies pressed for the Estimate’s publication and approval status, highlighting Meath’s £700,000 in costs; the Minister offered only that payment would come as quickly as possible.
Tom Enright, Gerard Brady, John V. Farrelly, John Bruton
- Cause of reimbursement delay 2 speeches
The Chair called the next question, in which Fitzpatrick asked whether the Minister had explained the cause of the delay.
John F. O'Connell, Thomas J. Fitzpatrick
asked the Minister for the Environment when he will be in a position to refund to Laois County Council the amount claimed by them for the clearance of roads, removal of snow and other work that was carried out by them following the snowstorm earlier this year; the total amount due; and when it will be paid.
Comment on this
(Dublin South-East): I will be seeking the approval of the House to a Supplementary Estimate which will include a subhead to provide funds to recoup local authorities for certain abnormal costs incurred by them as a result of the blizzard conditions which prevailed in January of this year. I am not in a position at this stage to indicate the amount of payment to be made to any of the local authorities concerned.
Comment on this
Can the Minister give a commitment that this Estimate will come before the House? Our local authority in County Meath are £700,000 out of pocket paying interest on money which they have not received since last January. I wish to know when this Estimate will come before the House and when our county council will be paid?
Comment on this
(Dublin South-East): I can assure the Deputy that this matter is under very active consideration. The only answer which I can give is, as quickly as possible.
Comment on this
Is the Minister not aware whether the proposed Estimate has yet been submitted to the Department of Finance for approval?
Comment on this
I asked the question. Will it be 1983 before Meath County Council are refunded the money?
Comment on this
(Dublin South-East): I answered the Deputy by saying as quickly as possible. That could be much sooner than 1983.
