Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like Deputy Naughten, I very much sympathise with the residents who have been badly affected and will be affected in the coming days with the current bad weather we are experiencing. I acknowledge, as did Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, the presence of the staff of the county councils and all their hard work and the work that has been done by the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes in particular. Addressing the issue of flooding will always requires more funding, and more funding is necessary, as was mentioned by previous speakers.

My constitutency of Dublin Bay North has been affected by the flooding as have all constituencies. I met residents in Sutton recently who raised the issue of flooding on the Strand Road, particularly during periods of bad weather and high tides, and their homes are close to the coast. A sea wall is badly needed to protect the local area. Strand Road is part of the main road into Sutton and provides an access to the local graveyard. It is also an access point for the local national schools. The residents want Fingal County Council to provide the necessary funding. It is an issue that has been ongoing for 15 years and, sadly, they have been refused funding on an ongoing basis because the project required is of a larger scale than that which would be covered by a minor works scheme. A larger project is required but it would not qualify for the lower limit of funds that would be available under the minor works scheme. A sea defence wall is very much needed in this area.

It is a matter I hope the Minister will consider because it happens every year, if not more frequently, depending on the weather conditions at the time.

Clontarf is another coastal area that is affected from time to time. There was controversy there in recent years regarding the council unilaterally going ahead with the building of a sea wall without full consultation with local residents and the business community. I am glad progress has been made and that a joint working group has been set up in the area, with the Clontarf Business Association, the residents association and Dublin City Council holding regular meetings to discuss the construction of a second, much lower wall, which may be necessary to allay residents' fears. Donnycarney is another area that faces flooding issues, particularly during periods of heavy rain, when properties are affected.

As other Deputies have said, there are concerns about insurance companies not being willing to insure those homes that are prone to flooding. It is to be hoped the Minister will look towards an insurance levy, which is one way for moneys to be ring-fenced to help those home owners who are badly affected and who should not be left to pick up the tab.

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