332 Mr. J. Fahey asked the Minister for the Environment if there are any proposals before his Department from Waterford County Council seeking funds to repair the damage caused by recent storms and flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have received a report from Waterford County Council, and from other local authorities, outlining the extent of damage caused to public property during last month's severe weather. In the case of County Waterford the damage relates to public roads and to sea barriers.

I am considering the question of financial assistance in relation to damage to public roads in the context of the allocation of road grants for 1990. I understand that the local authority have raised the matter of damage to sea barriers with my colleague, the Minister for the Marine, who has responsibility in that area.