Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I wish to inform the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh, that major problems also occurred in Athea, County Limerick, which is close by. The people of Athea were somewhat disappointed the Minister of State did not visit them because a number of families there were flooded and were obliged to leave their houses. They felt somewhat isolated and believe they did not receive the attention they deserved.

The river at Athea is completely overgrown and obviously has not been maintained for some time. I visited the location on the day after the flooding and although the local OPW carried out some temporary work, unless the river is included in the agency's arterial drainage scheme by virtue of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, which must be amended, it has no responsibility for it. This must be considered seriously because someone must take responsibility for rivers, especially when they threaten houses, the local population and perhaps even lives. While the Minister of State visited Newcastle West, I do not know whether he has done anything since about what happened there. However, if he intends to take measures, he also should think of the people of Athea.

I thank Kerry County Council for providing sandbags to the people of Athea, thus demonstrating that people can work together. This ensures that were any further problems to arise, they at least would have the sandbags to make them more secure and so on. I thank Deputy Neville for allowing me some time.

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