Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I urge the Minister of State to act immediately on the catchment flood risk assessment and management programme, which is developing a medium to long-term strategy for reducing and managing flood risk. As this study, investigation and plan of action is being compiled under a EU directive that involves identifying areas of existing flooding, it is imperative and crucial for Ireland to seek and secure substantial EU funding to enable us to combat this problem as it exists in those areas which were worst affected and devastated in recent weeks, as well as those areas which will be at significant risk in the future.

As we are speaking, the situation in County Kerry has been exacerbated by today's storm. I have received several communications from people regarding fallen trees and the prospect of serious flooding as river levels get higher. This storm is likely to cause more devastation along the coast, as well as electricity blackouts, etc. I focused on coastal regions when I spoke during the Dáil debate on this issue on 16 January last. The OPW has placed many towns and villages in County Kerry, including Castleisland, Glenflesk, Ballylongford, Kenmare, Killarney, Milltown, Portmagee, Tralee, Dingle, Banna, Abbeydorney and Tarbert, on the priority list of places that need immediate attention. I believe Cromane, Kells, Lower Bridge Street in Killorglin, the Maharees and Waterville should be added to this list. I have heard from people in those areas again today. The new cemetery in Castleisland has been submerged under a serious amount of water for the past three weeks.

The Minister of State has seen it at first hand and this should be resolved immediately with drainage and diversion of the water.

There is also need for immediate remedial measures to stop the ongoing flood damage to houses in Ballylongford where householders and businesses are experiencing repeated flooding to their premises. The residents of Glenflesk and Clonkeen east of Killarney have historically had flood damage to their properties for many years and this project is also a priority.

In view of the adverse effects of global warming and subsequent rising seas, we need to look to the expertise of the Dutch who have centuries of experience in battling water. We can certainly learn from their engineering techniques how better to protect people and property from flooding. The Netherlands experiences ferocious storms that hurtle in from the north west and are funnelled across the North Sea towards Dutch coastal areas. They have developed a keen awareness of the consequences of flooding and the imperative to prevent it in a country where two thirds of the population, including most of the residents of the largest cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague, live in flood-prone land, much of which is below sea level. The Dutch have been able to mobilise enormous resources to anticipate and minimise the risk of flooding. The Government should engage and communicate with the Government of the Netherlands. We can learn from the Dutch expertise and we need to develop a relationship immediately.

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