Storm repair bill hits €65m for public amenities

Damage to public amenities from successive storms over the last month is estimated to have cost over €65m, the Cabinet has been told.

About two thirds of the estimated bill for repairs relates to areas in counties Clare and Galway.

Local authorities are now being encouraged to submit their estimates of damages to the Department Environment as it prepares to apply to Europe for further hardship funds.

An interim report sub-mitted by Environment Minister Phil Hogan to his colleagues shows the costly damage to storm-hit areas including €20m for roads and infrastructure affected, €35m for coastal areas, and another €9m for clean-up works at facilities, including playgrounds.

The department said the bill did not include any costs of repairs to private residences or private businesses as well as from the damage caused to ESB or telecommunication structures.

The report outlines how local authorities are being asked to quickly submit further details about damage caused. The department also plans to co-ordinate any applications for the EU’s solidarity fund.

A spokeswoman for the Government last night said: “Everybody in government wants to see business and homeowners back on their feet as soon as possible.”

However, no emergency funds were agreed for release by the Government yesterday.

The Department of the Environment said €41m of the estimated storm damage costs related to areas and facilities in counties Clare and Galway.

Fianna Fáil parliamentary members yesterday met EU commissioner for regional development Johannes Hahn in Strasbourg and afterwards said they were confident Ireland would be entitled to receive funding from the EU to help communities deal with the recent adverse weather conditions.

Transport spokesman Timmy Dooley, along with two party MEPs, outlined to the commissioner the damage caused due to flooding and high winds.

“We also emphasised that the disaster was regional in nature, which is a prerequisite to achieve funding,” said Mr Dooley, a Clare TD.

Clare County Council has estimated that the county had over €23m worth of damage alone.

This includes damage in 37 areas of the county, including Lahinch where the repair bill is almost €6m.

Kerry County has submitted a bill of €19.8m while Galway County says it will cost €18m to repair storm damage.