Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That would be different anyway. However, it sums up my feelings for my native town. The Minister of State has visited it many times on a personal basis.

Unfortunately, the town has been brought to its knees due to flooding on three occasions since 2009, the last two floods happening only weeks apart. I acknowledge the amazing heart and extreme resilience of the people of Bandon. They got up and fought back each time. The Minister of State will be aware that a €16 million flood relief scheme for Bandon is currently being undertaken by the Office of Public Works in partnership with Cork County Council. This badly needed scheme is expected to alleviate the serious flooding that has blighted the town for many years. The work has been progressing well to date, but local residents and business owners are becoming extremely anxious as a result of the weather conditions we have been experiencing lately. On 19 January last, the town was again on flood alert. I acknowledge the fantastic work done that day by the fire service and council workers who kept the flood at bay.

Quite simply, residents and business owners are at the end of their tether and unable to deal with the devastation another flood would cause to their properties, particularly in circumstances where they are unable to get insurance. Bandon experienced a severe flood in 2009. We were told then that it was probably a one in 99 year experience and we hoped that was the case. Unfortunately, it happened again in December 2015 and, unbelievably, again a few weeks later. After 2009 many residents and businesses were unable to access flood insurance so the next two floods left the people in Bandon devastated. People in many towns in west Cork, such as Bandon, Clonakilty, Bantry and Skibbereen, cannot get flood insurance. Although this is a matter for another day, it would be only fair that after the flood relief works are carried out in these towns people should once again be able to get flood insurance.

It is imperative that the main drainage scheme in Bandon commences on schedule, which we understand will be in the second quarter of this year. The drains in Bandon are extremely old and are no longer fit for purpose. When there is heavy rain the drains are unable to cope. If the Bandon river rises the water comes up the drains, so there is an up and down problem. In essence, these drains are well past their sell-by date and major works are essential. My constituents need and deserve answers. It is not acceptable that they must live in constant fear of the next weather forecast. Can the Minister give an undertaking that no more time will be wasted on these works and that definite dates will be provided, particularly a guaranteed commencement date for the main drainage scheme in Bandon?

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