187 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has received requests for the alleviation of flooding at various locations throughout the country with particular reference to locations where such flooding might become a pollution threat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13863/07]

The Commissioners of Public Works are working with Local Authorities in relation to requests for the alleviation of flooding in several areas throughout the country. While risk of pollution is inevitably a consideration in any situation where flooding occurs, no requests for works have been received based specifically on a pollution threat. In general, the elimination of the source of the pollution where feasible, rather than flood alleviation measures would be a more appropriate response to such risk.