Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let there be no doubt that there is a national plan and a national organisation called the OPW which is charged with implementing flood relief plans. It is the competent single authority responsible for delivering plans. There is money available, too. We will spend €430 million on flood defences. More will be spent in the next five years than has been spent in the past 20.

The Deputy used the example of the NRA, but in building roads the NRA cannot ignore planning or environmental advice. It has to work within the confines of the law. The OPW must do the same in respect of flood relief measures. Even in peace times, when there is no flooding, there are issues that fall outside the OPW’s policy remit because there will always be a small number of people whose homes cannot be protected. There may be a need for voluntary home relocation and the Department of Finance or the local authorities to put in place individual property protection schemes. There is a need for a whole-of-government approach and other agencies and Departments to play their part. At the end of this month the interdepartmental group on flooding which I chair will send its report to the Cabinet which will make several recommendations. Whoever will be in government in the spring will have several policy options to consider in respect of flood insurance, individual property protection and potential voluntary home relocation, as well as getting on and delivering the national flood plan.

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