Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The flooding in Limerick is unprecedented. I have visited the areas affected and the spirit shown by the people living there is nothing short of phenomenal. They rallied and worked with the services. Outside of Saint Mary's Park and Lee Estate, areas such as Athlunkard Street, Corbally Road, the Mill Road in Corbally and areas in Thomondgate were badly affected. People should never have to go through this again. Will the Minister of State advise us on the defences and procedures to be put in place to ensure this never happens again?

I welcome the fact €15 million has been set aside, but this must operate in a very efficient manner. Ballynanty Health Centre has been established as the location for the community welfare office but services for those who cannot physically visit the centre must be ensured.

The issue of insurance has been raised. Many of those living in the affected areas do not have insurance because they could not obtain it. How is this being considered in discussions with the insurance industry and in dealing with the loss of possession and homes, which Deputy O'Dea also raised?

Sean Hogan, the head of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, was in Limerick on Sunday and the Minister of State was there yesterday. The Government appreciates the overwhelming impact this has had on people's lives. Will the Minister of State ensure the €15 million of humanitarian aid is fast-tracked for people living in the areas? Will he also deal with the issues of insurance and the defences being put in place? This is a real-life story for people living in the areas.

That is why I felt it important that the Minister, and Sean Hogan also, would visit the area to get an appreciation of what occurred. We now need to see timelines in terms of these measures being put in place for the people I represent in Limerick.

See this speech in context