asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to make a decision in relation to the submissions made by Cork Corporation and Cork County Council given to him on his visit to Cork shortly after the serious flooding in that city, having regard to the fact that he promised that decisions would be made at a very early date and also stated that his visit was more than a public relations exercise.

Following the severe weather in October 1988, I requested the local authorities in the affected areas to submit reports on the extent of the flood damage which had occurred. Replies have been received from the areas affected, including Cork.

In November last, I provided a sanitary services grant of £100,000 to Cork Corporation for the urgent repair of a culvert at South Mall/Pembroke Street. This scheme was included in the corporation's report on the flooding. Further flood relief schemes for Cork will be considered for approval when planning of the schemes is completed and incorporated into the sanitary services capital programme as appropriate. I understand that the only effective long term solution to flooding in the catchment areas of the Lee and Blackwater would be arterial drainage schemes. Responsibility for such schemes is a matter for the Office of Public Works.

In so far as roads are concerned, grant allocations for 1989 will be finalised within a couple of weeks.

Send the fool further.

Not quite; the Deputy might be surprised.

The Minister's visit was worthwhile.

May I take it from the Minister's reply that plans to alleviate flooding have not been submitted to him by the county council? Will the Minister consider the plans put forward by Mallow Urban District Council to alleviate flooding and will he say if funds will be made available to implement those plans?

Some local authorities have submitted proposals, but not all of them.

Have Cork County Council submitted proposals?

Yes.