Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

For once Dublin Central was spared but we have certainly had our fair share of repeated and excessive flooding and we know what it is like. Everyone's sympathy goes to those communities which have been devastated recently. I was looking at the pictures; the coverage was extensive. It was fine to be looking at it from the comfort of my own home but the pictures were staggering and frightening. They reminded me of the force of nature and our vulnerability in the face of that force.

Ba mhaith liom labhairt anois faoi áit áirithe, áit ar a bhfuil an-aithne agam, cé go bhfuil sí i bhfad ó Bhaile Átha Cliath. Táim ag dul go hOileán Chléire le fada an lá anois. Although I live in Dublin Central I have a long association and friendship with one of our island communities, that is, the community in Cape Clear in west Cork. I wish to highlight the effects that the recent storms have had on it. There are different aspects to the problem for an island community when it comes to storm damage and I hope this factor is taken into account when the funding is released for the people who need it.

I will outline some of the damage done. Cape Clear is a small island, 3.5 miles wide by 2 miles long, with a population of somewhat over 100 people. We are trying to hold onto our islands and ensure they are feasible for the populations who stay there. If damage is done to the pier, the people there have no way in and out, either for themselves or for the food and goods they need. For example, there was severe damage to the infrastructure in north harbour. The breakwater recess sides that keep the surge protection boons in place are damaged and require immediate remedial works because the boons are the only protection in the event of an adverse weather occurrence. The steps for access have been removed and need to be repaired. The stone wall at one end of the pier is in danger of collapse and could sink further. A section of the pier surface north of the wall has also sunk significantly. There is a crack across the main pier which is opening visibly. The sea protection wall between some of the buildings in the harbour are also completely broken or significantly compromised. Some of the roads leading down to the harbour are in a remarkably bad state of repair.

Some amenities on the island are important for boosting the small tourist industry and they have also been damaged, for example, a small maritime museum that was in the harbour. The portakabin in which it was based was lifted from its position and pushed further up into a field. That is one small amenity which attracts visitors during the summer. The concrete protection walls have also been damaged. A stony beach has been significantly undermined and a proper safety assessment is needed there. The community had received funding for a new harbour but that is now compromised and needs to be re-examined in order that the work done to date can continue in a safe way. At the other harbour, the south harbour, sections of the sea protection wall have completely broken away. The island had a helipad which is vital for emergencies but the community maintains the extent of the erosion there is incredible.

The debris that was washed up on Cape Clear Island, one of the most beautiful islands off our coast, will cause significant problems, both from a health and safety perspective and aesthetically. Islands are different and some of their requests for funding may not fall into the categories that apply to other locations. They are deserving of particular attention. The points I have raised in regard to Cape Clear Island probably also apply to the other islands that were badly affected by the stormy conditions. The best way to tackle these difficulties is by listening to the people who have lived there all their lives and taking their views on board

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