Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle as ucht an deis seo a thabhairt dom labhairt ar an topaic seo anocht. I commend Fianna Fáil on the introduction of this motion. I also commend my colleague, Deputy Pearse Doherty, on the tabling of a reasonable and appropriate amendment to that motion. I urge all Deputies in the House to support our amendment.

As we know, the people of the north west of this country have been devastated by the most recent flooding disaster. Homes, businesses, farms, local sports clubs and community amenities across the Inishowen Peninsula have been severely affected. Our solidarity and immediate support must go to these communities. I know that my colleagues - Deputy Pearse Doherty, Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and the broader team of Sinn Féin councillors in County Donegal - have been working tirelessly on behalf of everyone affected.

However, we must turn our attention to the actions of the Government and the statutory agencies in regard to the most recent floods and the issue of flood planning in general. This Government is almost two years past the deadline for the completion of the flood risk management plans and there is still no sign of those plans being published.

The importance of planning cannot be overestimated. It can help curb the risks of flooding as well as reduce insurance premiums for those living in at-risk areas. The European Commission has indicated that it has initiated infringement proceedings against Ireland in order to enforce compliance on this issue. It is a disgrace that the citizens of this country must depend on the European Commission rather than on their own Government to act in their best interests.

Furthermore, recent figures obtained by my colleague, Deputy Pearse Doherty, from the OPW show that there is very little provision by the Government for flood relief measures in the upper Shannon region. Apart from a relatively minor scheme in Raphoe, County Donegal, there has been no funding allocated to other areas north of the Shannon, north of Athlone, in the past five years and none is projected in the next five years either. That is despite the fact that this region has been subjected to significant flooding in recent times.

In my constituency of Offaly, flooding in Shannon Harbour, Shannonbridge and Banagher was an issue of concern in 2015. We cannot have a repeat of that again, nor can we have a repeat of it in any other part of the country.

The submission by the OPW to the review of the capital plan makes it clear that additional resources are required for the office to complete flood defence works. It further states that the fact that this has not been provided for has already constrained the efficient delivery of some aspects of flood defence schemes. The submission also states that an additional €102 million will be required by 2022 to continue works on the current schemes.

Sinn Féin has proposed an additional €35 million in budget 2018 alone. Will the Government commit to that funding? Will the Government commit to ensuring that the flood risk management plans are submitted to the European Commission without any further delay? Will the Government ensure that an appropriate scheme for farmers affected by flooding is included in the upcoming review of areas of natural constraint? Will the Government provide clarity to the people of Donegal that funds will be available to repair the roads, community and sporting facilities that have been destroyed? Will it set out a timeframe for that?

The people of Donegal, and citizens across this State, who have suffered from the effects of flooding deserve these answers. They also deserve our full support and I call on all parties to support this motion and the amendment put forward by Deputy Doherty.

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