Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this matter. This is the third or fourth time I have raised this issue on the Adjournment. There is a cost factor to every issue we raise but in this case, the money has been provided by the OPW and the Minister of State, and I compliment him on that. However, there is an ongoing problem between the OPW and the national parks and wildlife service. As I said, the money is in place. The OPW put forward a number of suggestions to the national parks and wildlife service. I believe another report went to the National Parks and Wildlife Service today.

What is going on is wrong. There were very serious floods in December 2006 and in January 2007, people's homes were destroyed and families had to relocate. We are coming into the winter and people are genuinely worried that this flooding problem cannot be resolved.

I am not looking for money or for the OPW to do the work because the money has been provided. Paperwork is holding up this work. It is wrong that the National Parks and Wildlife Service is causing a problem for people living in rural Ireland. It depends on the goodwill of people in rural Ireland and depends on them to protect the environment. Nobody wants to destroy the environment. There is a row between two Departments and I suppose there is an EU directive. There is a Habitats Directive. People's lives, livelihoods and homes are far more important than any habitat. I hope the Minister has good news.

The report will be with the National Parks and Wildlife Service tomorrow morning and I hope it is approved tomorrow evening. I have spoken to the families, the Irish Farmers Association and people in the area. If this issue is not resolved in the next two weeks, we will have a day out in Dublin. The Minister can tell security in the National Parks and Wildlife Service that we will not leave until it makes a decision. This is wrong because these people have been patient and have done their best to try to be nice and honourable about this. I hope the Minister has good news for me.

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