Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As a public representative who witnessed the utter devastation caused by flooding in my constituency last year, I welcome the legislation brought before the House tonight by my Fianna Fáil colleagues. The Bill seeks to ensure that insurance companies cannot discriminate against home and business owners in areas where major flood defences have been completed by the OPW. The insurance companies have refused to meaningfully engage with the many people affected by flood damage so it is only right that they be legislatively bound to do so. A total of 37 flood defence schemes have recently been completed by the OPW and the office has a capital allocation of €480 million for new flood defence projects up to 2021. This legislation can effect lasting change for people in those 37 areas which have had their flood defences improved and for those communities which will benefit from future flood defence projects.

We have a great opportunity to provide those who have suffered greatly with the safety buffer of adequate flood defences and the peace of mind that comes with having insurance in the event that the worst happens. Last year the communities of Thomastown and Inistioge on the River Nore, Graiguenamanagh on the River Barrow and Piltown on the River Suir were some of the worst affected areas in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. The aforementioned rivers are better known as the three sisters and are the main arteries in the Carlow, Kilkenny area. People were utterly devastated and they continue to live under a cloud of anxiety lest the waters begin to rise again.

Since then, the OPW and Kilkenny County Council have begun drafting flood risk management plans and I commend them for the work done so far and for their engagement with the affected communities. When the flood relief schemes are completed by the OPW, which I hope will be soon, I want my constituents to be able to secure insurance so that they can sleep soundly when the rain starts falling. People should not live in fear or be forced from their homes. I urge the Government to accept the Bill and implement its provisions without delay.

I must say that some great work has been done in Kilkenny. The city was flooded regularly and indeed, it was famous for flooding in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The €45 million that was spent in Kilkenny city was very well spent. That said, it created its own problems in that the River Nore now runs faster through the city and areas downstream like Bennettsbridge, Thomastown and Inistioge are now suffering. We need more money for further flood defence works which have proven to be effective. We also need the insurance companies to recognise the areas where such works have been carried out.

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