Michael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will refer to the flooding associated with the Liffey Camac basin in the west of the city in 2011, specifically in the Inchicore and Kilmainham districts, since parts of these districts suffered greatly in the torrential rain at that time. In this vicinity the River Camac burst its banks. River walls collapsed, houses nearby were flooded and considerable damage was done to houses, furnishings and bed linen. Some people had to escape through roof windows. It was a difficult period for the residents there.

I am pleased to report that situation has been resolved. The Minister of State, the OPW and the city council combined to rectify the situation and the peaceful living to which the residents had been accustomed has been restored. However, I wish to draw the attention of the Minister of State to the situation of a portion of Tyrconnell Street along the river in the Inchicore district. The River Camac burst its banks in 2011. The rears of houses were badly affected, extensions were demolished, gardens were destroyed and walls, furnishings etc. were damaged. Extensive damage was inflicted on the residents in that portion up to Tyrconnell Street. One of the key contributing factors was a culvert that the city council gave permission for some years ago. It blocked the debris and the trees and this pushed the water back into people's homes, gardens and outhouse extensions along a short stretch of the watercourse causing considerable destruction and damage to several properties.

Three years have passed and nothing has been done, despite letters to the city council and the OPW, motions in the city council and meetings on-site. There is no explanation of why nothing has been done. Residents have been left with considerable expense and damage to their properties. I appeal to the Minister of State to revisit the plight of these residents. Even at this late stage I call on the Minister of State to bring forward some measures, in conjunction with the city council and the OPW, to address this long-neglected issue for the small number of residents in the Tyrconnell Street, Inchicore area. They would be most grateful if someone in authority took pity on their plight.

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