Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

That is a pity, because I recall the Minister of State being in the area shortly after the flood and promising, as part of the Government response, that there would be speedy support for families and businesses. That simply has not been the case. It is quite shocking. The Taoiseach also promised that there would be speedy help.

The timelines for the flood defences are also quite stunning. The process for flood defences in Midleton started in 2015. At a recent meeting in the town with Cork County Council, the OPW and Arup in November 2023, it was stated that it would be nine years at least before the systems would be in place. Is that correct? Nine years from now is 2033, and the process started in 2015. That is a long time for the Government to react to what is an emergency situation, where businesses and families are being put out of their homes and where lives are being put at risk. Is that the timeline that the Minister of State understands?