Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)

What people do not understand is it takes 11 years to get from the start of a scheme to the finish. That is practically the delivery time on a flood scheme. About 95% of the scheme is underground, so people do not see it, but that is the key to delivering protection of the homes. These schemes are challenging. As the Deputy is well aware, when a scheme starts and you start to dig, challenges arise daily and they can drive up the cost. The complexity of the flood relief schemes requires rigorous environmental assessment. Planning delays and public procurement also play a part in the overall cost of the scheme.