Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Anyone who has stood in a house that has been flooded will be aware that after the immediate crisis has been dealt with, householders are keen to ensure they do not have to go through such an experience for a second time. A more strategic focus is needed in that regard. I acknowledge that the work done after a flooding event has often been shown to have represented a good investment when further weather events have taken place. That has been the experience in my constituency. Last year, some staff from Kildare County Council who had been involved in very good works in this regard spoke at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht and went through some of their case studies. That meeting was poorly attended, unfortunately. If a similar meeting took place today it would be better attended. We need to learn from where we have done things right. For example, I question whether we can get better value for money by doing something by means of direct labour. The OPW does have some direct labour but it could be greatly expanded. The Minister of State has shown clearly by referring to the Dublin model that a saving can be demonstrated where works have been done. We could be much more proactive, rather than being reactive in some respects.

I am concerned to ensure the money that is allocated on foot of these events is new money. Work on some schemes, including the River Morell scheme in my constituency, is very close to commencing. I would hope the funding of such schemes would not be lost simply because bigger areas have been affected by flooding recently. I wonder whether we need to re-examine the effect the habitats directive is having on the dredging of rivers. There is a conflict in this regard. Rivers sometimes silt up, to the point at which some of the capacity that could be absorbed in the event of a flood is lost. Local knowledge is often good knowledge from that perspective. I will conclude by reiterating the point Deputy Collins made about insurance companies that are using flood maps against people. In some areas, they are almost suggesting that water is flowing uphill in order to deny people insurance. They have to be reined in because this is not good enough.

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