784 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received a request from the Enniscorthy Urban District Council to meet a deputation in relation to the funding of flo-bars to avoid the serious flooding problems that occurred early in November 2000; if a capital allocation will be made to residents to relocate those in the worst affected areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1147/01]

Assistance is available to local authorities under the water services investment programme for public water and sewerage schemes to meet economic and environmental infrastructural needs. Flood relief is addressed in this programme only in the context of measures to relieve surcharging of existing drainage networks in built up areas. No funding is available to my Department for the type of works referred to by the Deputy, or to meet relocation costs, and I have informed the local authority accordingly.

Residents whose properties have been damaged by flooding may, however, be entitled to assistance under the humanitarian aid scheme which is being distributed by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Government.