Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House today. I welcome the statements on the horrific flooding that happened in Lough Funshinagh. I am happy to be here today to speak on it in a formal sense. It is an opportunity to express our concern, sympathy and solidarity with the residents who had to evacuate their homes. The broader community is so worried about this. No doubt the Minister of State is aware of all this and I thank him for his work on it. The fact that people, including elderly people in their 80s, are displaced from their homes that represent their lives' work, is beyond upsetting. Their well-earned peace has been shattered by this absolute nightmare. It is so upsetting for all the residents. I thank God in times like this that we can see the best of what Ireland has to offer, by which I mean the kindness, support and community spirit that kicks in during times like these and makes it bearable. I am conscious of that, particularly with the councillors, the Deputies, the Minister of State and Senators who have all been involved in all of that. The generous donations to a fundraiser, particularly for a displaced family, are a good example of that.

I am glad the Government seems to understand the severity and urgency of the situation. The Government is exploring solutions but I want again to stress how dramatic it is for a person to have to leave his or her home. I hope that is taken into account by the Government. This issue needs to be addressed as quickly as possible and there needs to be clear and consistent communication with the local community. People are out of their minds with worry. Flooding is an issue that impacts communities throughout the country. We know that these issues will probably worsen over time. We need to make a real plan for the future to protect communities from flooding, that supports residents and the local environment. We cannot lurch from crisis to crisis, responding to issues as they arise. That is why I am here today. We need to have joined-up, long-term thinking to prevent people having to leave their homes in a crisis like this. The idea that was put forward by Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice for an emergency order to be signed is absolutely vital at this point. It will require the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach along with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to do that. It is something that should be considered today. My ask today, in particular, is that something can be done, going forward, for the people of County Roscommon.