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

As the Deputy is aware, I have travelled much of the country throughout the summer. I visited Donegal and saw first-hand what those people experienced and had to deal with. However, the question the Deputy asked is whether we are dealing with it, and the answer is that, yes, we are. Since 24 August we did not have one dry day up to the past two fine days. Within the system we have, it is very hard to manage the rainfall but, where we can, we are providing money for flood defences and minor works schemes for those communities. We are working particularly closely with the local authorities. We have not been found wanting. On Saturday last I visited the Deputy's area to attend a funeral and saw first-hand what is happening there. From dealing with the local authorities and talking to the engineers on the ground, I can assure the Deputy that everything that can be done is being done at this time. Yes, I would like to see a ramp-up of flood defences but, given what I have to spend, I want to spend wisely up to 2021. Other measures will come through CFRAM, hopefully by the end of this year, and we will be able to ensure the protection of the homes to which the Deputy referred.

With regard to Crossmolina, a meeting was held in my office last week and I will have a report on that in the not-too-distant future. Hopefully, it will be a positive one from the Deputy's point of view.

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