Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, for taking this topical issue and for his recent reply to my questions regarding the flooding in Dublin city. I welcome both the long-term redress measures outlined in the Minister of State's reply to me and the different stages in which things will happen in the next couple of years. However, I am greatly concerned by the here and now and by what measures are being taken to help flood victims living across the Camac and Poddle rivers, many of whom have been left homeless for weeks with nothing but the clothes they wore on their backs when they left that evening. As winter approaches, what is being done by the Office of Public Works and Dublin City Council with regard to the recurring floods that may take place in the coming weeks and months?

Last month, residents of Kilmainham Lane, Carrickfoyle Terrace, Millbrook Terrace, Harold's Cross and Kimmage were devastated by the flash flooding. In a matter of minutes, some suggest it was as few as eight minutes, their homes were completely flooded and in some cases, to an extremely dangerous level. Having witnessed personally many houses that had been flooded to the ceiling, it was difficult to understand how people had managed to escape. All their possessions were destroyed and in some cases, major structural damage was done to the houses with the result that some people may never enter them again. For instance, this is the third time since the 1940s that the Lady's Lane-Carrickfoyle Terrace area has been flooded. As a result of flooding in the past, residents there have found it very difficult to get insurance. Moreover, it now appears as though the small number who previously have managed to do so will not be able to get insurance in the future. At present, with nothing but sandbags to keep the water out of their homes, they themselves state they have no hope of being insured by anyone unless immediate action is taken.

I wish to compliment the Civil Defence, the emergency services and Dublin Fire Brigade in particular, which reacted quickly on the evening of the flooding. They appeared in certain areas within minutes simply to help people from their homes, never mind to deal with the water that was surging through the walls. As the water level rose quickly, there was little time to save many of the homes, some cars and in particular, personal belongings. I stood in many houses after the waters had subsided and many residents had lost treasured and beloved personal items that never can be replaced. Tragically, as Members are aware, two people lost their lives during the floods and one must do everything possible to prevent such deaths in future.

At present, sandbags along the Camac River are not the solution. A permanent emergency structure must be installed to reinforce the boundary wall of the river. I am not an engineer or anything like that but in the past I have noticed how some places have been shored up with steel plate girders to reinforce the banks while waiting for the measures that will be taken later. I understand perfectly that money and everything else may be an issue.

Unfortunately, however, many of the people concerned have been left with nothing. I am very concerned about them, their mental health and everything else. They still feel abandoned and that they have been left on their own. I ask the Minister of State to make a statement on what can be done to immediately help them. I welcome the Minster for Social Protection, Deputy Burton's fund of €10 million which has really started to kick in, although it has taken time to organise on the ground. If anything can be done immediately to help those living on the banks of this river who find that their only protection against another flood in coming months is sandbags, it should be done.

See this speech in context