Mr. Paul Hogan:

There has been a programme of flood improvement works directed according to where the risk is greatest. In Cork and Clonmel, for example, the OPW has implemented these schemes. The process continues in the relevant areas. In the long term the strategy includes providing barriers or barrages, where necessary, because the reality is that all of our cities are built on estuaries and flood plains. That is their nature and it is a reality that has to be considered. Clearly, it will be an ongoing issue.