Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Buckley has spoken about this so much. I do not know the area involved personally, but after years of Deputy Buckley raising the issue at this and various other committees and within the party, I know it intimately. The witnesses' stress and strain is clear. The effect it has on families and individuals is horrendous for them.

In the petition, the witnesses said families in the affected area feel abandoned. It is safe to say they have been abandoned. That is the reality. The solutions are available. As Ms Power said, all they need is the money. The plan is in place but the OPW and the Minister, ultimately, are responsible for abandoning residents in these communities. Deputy Buckley has constantly raised it. It is horrific what people have to put up with. In my area of south Dublin, a good few years ago Ringsend faced serious flooding and people had to be moved out of their homes. It was particularly traumatic for the old people. Even now, when there is heavy rain or flooding on Sandymount Strand or along the Dodder, people are still traumatised and remember that and are fearful. I can only imagine how difficult it is for the witnesses but ultimately it comes down to the Minister not releasing the money and not committing to this project. That is what needs to be done. Like the Chair said, ordinary families are having to pay the price and pick up the piece for Government failure. I wish the witnesses well. They have our support in their campaign.