Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

We have seen at first hand in Clonmel the devastation. Carrick-on-Suir was a great success because of the work done there. It is a pity the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is gone because the fact of the matter is that the rivers, streams and water courses in the country have not been cleaned for 40 years. The problem lies on the beds of every river in the country. The Taoiseach spoke about it today but it has never been dealt with and that is the kernel of the matter as far as I am concerned. I live in the country beside the Suir and it is blocked up for miles.

Earlier today, I spoke to Seán Kelly, MEP. He has been in touch with the Commissioner for Regional Development who wants to come here if an application is made. We want clarification so we would know what the application would be for.

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