Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

I am told he will join us. I had nothing to do with these matters being taken together. That was decided by the Ceann Comhairle's office. There is a connection between both issues in that the flooding in Galway is along the Dunkellin River and in Templemore it is primarily on the Dunkellin Road out of Templemore. The Minister of State will be familiar with the scheme and all the consequences of and damage caused by the flooding. The situation in Templemore has become intolerable over the past number of years and the people of the town and surrounding areas are anxious to know what is happening.

I will not go into the usual details in terms of the effects of the flooding on house insurance and so on. It is important this project, which has been investigated by the Office of Public Works and has undergone public consultation and amendment is commenced. I am seeking an assurance from the Minister of State that this scheme will go ahead and that funding in this regard will be made available. I would also like if he could outline when he anticipates the scheme will commence, to give a categoric assurance that the necessary funding for it to commence and be completed is available and to provide me with a timeframe involved in this regard.

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