Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My question is also addressed to the Minister, Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran, and concerns flooding. It is only 3 October. As the Minister of State knows from his own part of the country, there is widespread flooding. Several farmers are already in major difficulty. People are extremely nervous. I live in the real world and I know that the Minister of State cannot stop the rain from falling. However, I note that the rainfall has been incessant and its pattern has completely changed. The total rainfall of two or three weeks in years gone can now happen in half a day.

This is the reality. On this basis, is it time we changed the goalposts? We will have huge problems unless we tackle this matter head on. Many people will be left in distress. In County Roscommon, 35 or 40 farmers near Lough Funshinagh who had never been affected now cannot farm. They cannot do their daily business because roads are blocked. Houses and sheds will be in serious bother because they will be flooded. We need some type of action very quickly.

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