Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the past 20 years there have been three major historic floods in Ireland. Last year was the first time ever that we kept the water out of Athlone through hardship, volunteers, local authorities and the OPW. We proved and pushed a platform to show how we can protect homes around the country with sandbags and polythene. When I came into government in partnership with my good colleague, Deputy Canney, we looked for the job of responsibility for the OPW because we believe if we do not get it right, whoever comes after us will fail. I have heard everything discussed in this House tonight before and I have seen damn all happen to the people of this country.

People talk about the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM. It is a bible in urban areas. The announcement last Friday about the maintenance of the Shannon is for the rural areas. People never mentioned pinch points in this House until I put my foot inside the door. They did not know what I was talking about but now everybody seems to know. If we can remove 16 pinch points on the Shannon, two in particular, we can lower the level, prevent summer flooding and help lower the level of the water in winter flooding.

In respect of this Bill introduced by Deputy Eugene Murphy, I would rather see a collective approach than people playing politics with those who have suffered so greatly. Sinn Féin should get into government and see how hard it is to get decisions and to get people to work with them, instead of shouting and roaring and telling us everything we are doing wrong and everything that they may do right. It is not as easy on this side of the House. A total of €430 million, the biggest budget ever, has been put into flooding and defences this year.

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