Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The sum of €250 million over the next five years is not enough. We know from successful flood prevention schemes in Clonmel, Mallow and Fermoy that they do work. Studies are still ongoing in Cork but I am reliably informed that it will be 2016 or 2017 before any flood prevention works commence. That illustrates a lack of urgency and prioritisation. Does the Taoiseach accept that the figure of €250 million is totally inadequate to meet the requirements? Will he commit to a fundamental reconsideration of that and accelerate funding for flood relief schemes and flood prevention programmes? Will the Taoiseach answer the question as to who is in charge? Does the Government believe that what has occurred is a national emergency requiring a sufficient response? For example, when will flood barriers be installed in cities such as Cork and Limerick?

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