Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister of State is aware, most of the town of Kenmare, particularly around the square, was totally submerged over the weekend. This is the third time this has happened over the past decade.

I ask that the Minister of State intervene immediately to ensure an interim programme is put in place there because a certain amount of works can be carried out. Only for the rapid response to alleviate the problems over the weekend, there would have been a lot of destruction. There already has been flooding to both commercial premises and homes.

Naturally, Kerry County Council needs immediate help to respond to many of the problems around the county. Also, it is an opportune time because consultation on the flood risk management programme is going on in the county at present.

The Minister of State met a delegation here and was favourable and receptive to the people of Rossbeigh, where 14 homes are cut off. As he will be aware, they only have pedestrian access. Funds have been put in place but the programme to be carried out will not be finished until 2017. I ask the Minister of State to expedite it and move it forward so that it would be ready to start, for instance, in the spring, with all the preparations and planning done. With the influx of revenue into the Exchequer at present, perhaps the Minister of State will be able to do something along those lines.

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