Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Further to what the Minister of State has said, I welcome the significant amount of money made available to Waterford railway station. That station is vulnerable, as it is by the shore and near the cliffs. As it is an essential part of our infrastructure, that €1 million is, of course, very welcome.

The storm is raging as we speak this evening. I have heard countless reports of debris sprawling across roads. In a very serious incident a roof was blown off a retail unit into a secondary school in Ferrybank. I appeal to people who may be out there that there is no heroism in trying to get the best photograph for Facebook. I am concerned that people going out to get that photograph are putting at risk not only their own safety, but also that of others, including those in the fire brigade and the ambulance service, who are working with might and main to keep people safe. While I know it is not always possible, if people can stay at home, they should do that. I am increasingly alarmed at what is appearing in our social media feeds in terms of what is going on at the moment.

Waterford city was very badly hit. Last week, up to 150 homes were flooded in the Poleberry area. I commend the cross-agency effort of the HSE, the Department of Social Protection and the local authority. Fishing boats in coastal villages such as Dunmore East, Cheekpoint, Passage and Ring have been tied up for six weeks. There are families without income because of the storms that are ravaging. I call on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine to engage with fishing communities throughout the country because these people have been starved of an income, not to mention the damage to the local amenities. I have seen a submission to the OPW showing the cost of damage in one part of County Waterford at €750,000.

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