Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The scheme has taken almost eight years to bring to where it is today. A great deal of work and consulting has taken place. The Save Cork City campaign has come up these figures and it has brought in external experts. According to the best advice available to us, we are doing the right thing. The officials who visited from Holland also recognised that what we are doing is the best option for the people of Cork. The campaign says that we have not looked at tidal barriers. Of course, we have looked at them. We have examined all options available to us but my job is to deliver a scheme as fast as possible for the people of Cork. When owners are in their shops in Cork and the water is up to their ankles while jewellery is floating around or customers cannot get to the butcher or the hairdresser, the business owners are roaring at me about what I am doing. I have taken the views of the Save Cork City campaign on board but, like all schemes, when people see the work starting on the ground, they will buy into it. I assure the Deputy that it will be the best money spent on behalf of the people of Cork.