Flood bill will benefit Dodder locals

THE publication of the Flood Insurance Bill will help alleviate the problems endured by home and business owners, particularly on the Southside, it has been claimed.

Dublin Bay South TD, Jim O’Callaghan, said the Fianna Fáil bill will address a major issue that affects homes and businesses along the Dodder River.

“In areas such as Ringsend, Sandymount, Merrion, Ballsbridge and Donnybrook homeowners and businesses are denied access to insurance, even though remedial works have already been completed,” Deputy O’Callaghan said.

“If our bill is passed by the Oireachtas, insurance providers will not be allowed to deny insurance cover to homes and businesses in areas that have undergone flood defence works and that meet the standard one in 100-year flood risk rating.

“These flood risk ratings will be determined by the Office of Public Works,” he stated. “At present, all flood relief works carried out by the OPW are designed to provide for a one in 100 year flood risk rating.

“In addition, the Flood Insurance Bill provides a mechanism for home and business owners who feel they have been denied cover unreasonably to appeal to the Financial Services Ombudsman.

“Under the Fianna Fáil bill those that have been denied insurance or believe that the terms and conditions being applied on the policy are too excessive or unreasonable, will have a route to appeal.

“People living in areas with a low risk of flooding or where flood defence works have been carried out by the State should not have to worry about getting insurance,” he added.