Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach will be well aware of the disaster area in my constituency, Lough Funshinagh. The situation is worsening hour by hour and water is continuing to rise. As I stand here today, a fifth home looks like it will need to be evacuated. Water is now flowing towards Curraghboy village. An overflow pipe – a temporary and emergency measure – is 60% installed. I met the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell, with representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Office of Public Works and Oireachtas colleagues and councillors last Friday. From speaking to the Minister of State again yesterday, I have learned that advice from the Attorney General is now awaited. We need this advice now. I cannot find the words to express what it is to see people in their 80s and 90s watching their entire lives destroyed before their eyes. Homes have been abandoned and livelihoods have been absolutely destroyed. The community is on its knees. It is only because they are such strong, decent and good people that they are holding on, but they hope the Taoiseach will act. When will the Attorney General give advice and when will the families know they can go to bed at night without having to listen to pumps running?

See this speech in context