Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important subject. I represent two counties, Laois and Offaly, that were not too badly affected in comparison with the west coast. I support what the previous speaker said about County Clare. In Galway, the Connemara coast was badly ravaged by storms which did huge damage to roads, houses and other property. I urge the Government to seek whatever funding it can obtain and provide the necessary assistance.

All councils will be submitting claims for funding, which is to be welcomed. In many instances, however, we find that the stable door is being closed after the horse has bolted. I am referring to the fact that local authorities could have carried out a lot of preventative maintenance measures, but due to the shortage of outdoor staff, they were unable to do so. I have highlighted this to the Minister before. Flooding in Portlaoise town was caused by the lack of ten minutes work by a local authority outdoor staff member. I know the Minister finds it funny, but it is not funny for people living in the Harpur's Lane area.

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