Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

I wish to record my thanks to the emergency services in County Clare and compliment the inter-agency approach that was taken in setting up a telephone number to deal with all queries in Ennis and the rest of the county. Undoubtedly, this has been the worst flooding in living memory. Parts of Ennis which are flooded now were never flooded previously. I acknowledge the fact that the Taoiseach, the Minister, Deputy John Gormley, and the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh, visited Ennis.

Huge mistakes have been made in Ennis. The flood relief scheme which is under construction nearly pushed the water further up to Francis Street and Abbey Street. The water caused utter devastation for businesses and the residents who were evacuated. I compliment the 20 Army personnel and five vehicles that were made available. Probably more should have been provided because the emergency personnel were under huge pressure. Sandbags were in short supply and there are no pumps in the town of Ennis or throughout County Clare to pump water out. Tonight, a woman from Elm Park told me on the telephone that her house is surrounded by water. She does not know what to do. There is sewage in the water and she fears it will get into her house.

The Minister must make himself available to the people of County Clare and hold an urgent meeting to decide what can be done. He must give some assurance to them that this will never happen again.

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