Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The interdepartmental nature of this has made it difficult for us to get a handle on it. From the previous experience of this happening, money will be needed. For example the OPW is still working on preventative measures arising from the 2009 events. The most urgent thing is to provide the money upfront and quickly. By the time tenders are processed and the work done, much of the cost will not fall into this financial year but into next year. With marine works in particular, by the time the tender process is complete and contractors are on site, we could be into 2015. We need to get the process in place and moving fast. I hope that money would be put on the table. I would rather see modest money now to get this year's work done than waiting forever for a huge deluxe plan that will take years to do and, in the meantime, people find it difficult to access basic services, including houses. There is a danger of further erosion occurring that could be much more expensive. The stitch in time saves nine principle applies, and we have already lost a month.