John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Ring for sharing his time. I acknowledge that he has been working on this for many years. As he stated, I attended that public meeting. What was articulated that night was this process of report after report, and finally, now we have the concern of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. If it was not so serious it would be funny. Attending that meeting, I got the feeling that if it was wildlife that were living in the house that was flooded, there would be something done about it but because it is people, there seems to be obstacles and legislation.

Very simple measures will solve the problem in the Hollymount-Roundfort region. It is at a tipping point. It would take very little. It would not in any way damage the environment or anything else. One can rely on people in rural areas. They have looked after the environment better than most over the years.

I add my support to this matter, and Deputy Ring, to bring it to a conclusion. I would appeal to the Minister of State to do that by having this meeting and letting the available funding be spent on alleviating the problem for the people of Hollymount and Roundfort.

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