Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

It is very important that the Minister, Deputy Joan Burton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, bring this message to the relevant Ministers and get the local authorities in. We run the emergency plan exercises. I am sure Kingswood was flooded last night. Would the Minister agree that it was chaotic and nobody was in charge? There were some individual workers on the scene but there appeared to be no co-ordination and no plan. It is totally unacceptable. There is a lovely booklet and lovely centre, and the Minister of State gave a lovely speech. However, the effect on the ground is that nothing happens, which is unacceptable.

The Minister should invite the relevant bodies to speak about what they did. Who was supposed to be in charge and where were they at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.? I am glad the Minister gave a commitment about the funding. Several areas in County Wicklow are cut off because bridges and roads have collapsed. I also wish to make another small point.

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