Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his personal interest in the scheme and his detailed reply. I contacted the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform within the last two weeks, having met the local committee behind the campaign on this very important work. The Minister of State said himself in his reply that detailed design for the scheme was commenced by consultants following the completion of the public exhibition and he indicated that this was practically completed. What is involved here is the Minister of State's Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Cork County Council and the consultants. The report is almost complete and will go to the local authority and then the Department. Can we expedite that process with all due haste? We are heading into the Christmas period and anything that is not worked out before the holidays will inevitably be deferred until January. Can we make absolutely sure that we get the report to the local authority and the Department? I would be very grateful if the process were led at departmental level.

The Minister of State will be in Clonakilty on 15 December and we always welcome that type of proactive approach by Ministers and Ministers of State in coming to an area to see schemes first-hand. It is a very important part of our democracy and I acknowledge it in that context. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State would also do two other things that day.

I ask him to meet members of the Skibbereen flood committee and, if his diary allows, to travel to Skibbereen as his predecessor, the former Minister of State, Mr. Brian Hayes, MEP, did at the start of the year. On that occasion, the then Minister of State gave a commitment in good faith which, for reasons beyond his control, was not realised within the stated timeframe. Having met those affected, I know how important this flood relief work is to them. I urge the Minister of State to look favourably on my two requests and thank him in advance for considering them. I ask that the design be provided forthwith and that he use his visit to the area on 15 December to meet members of the Skibbereen flood committee and, if possible, visit the town. It would be an ideal opportunity to do so.

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