Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I begin by thanking the Members of the House for a very informed and useful debate. What is very clear from this morning's debate is the devastating impact flooding has on citizens, on a local, regional and national scale, and in communities both urban and rural. It is also clear that all Members of the House share a common goal of minimising the impacts on people into the future, while at the same time recognising that with climate change, the causes of flooding will likely become more severe over time.

Following this morning's debate, nobody can deny that the scope and complexities of this issue are far-reaching. Every action and decision needs to carefully consider a range of issues, to avoid having unintended impacts that are cause for regret in years to come, while at the same time putting our communities first.

My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, has set out clearly this morning the significant progress the Government has made, and continues to make, in addressing the flood risk across the country, including a very strong focus on rural Ireland. He has outlined the continued commitment to delivering flood relief measures into the future, and to developing and delivering a coastal change management strategy to deal with the threats to the coast, in particular from climate change.

The evidence and funding that is informing the Government's work, through the catchment flood risk assessment and management programme, and the Government's ten-year programme involving the investment of €1 billion in flood risk management, are testament to that. The hugely significant programme of investment on the capital flood relief programme, adding an additional 151 flood relief schemes to the 46 already completed, shows the Government's commitment to invest in, and improve, communities all around the country that are threatened by flooding from both rivers and the sea, both large and small.

The Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, has also outlined the many other cross-departmental initiatives and actions under way to improve and implement Ireland's flood policies in preventing future flood risks and preparing for the more extreme floods. In that regard, this morning's debate highlights the need for all Departments to continue to work together, to build on the work already done and to yield ever-increasing levels of protection and resilience for all our people into the future. With these clear objectives in mind, the Government has committed to further progressing the whole-of-Government approach that is delivering returns to managing the flood risk and coastal change for rural Ireland. It has advocated that an examination of the current regulatory requirements be carried out. The Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW has set out his intention to undertake a consultation on how best to deliver flood relief measures into the future, given the many challenges in our path, notably that of a changing climate.

I conclude by again thanking the Members of the House for their thoughtful and considered contributions and by re-emphasising the commitment of the Government to addressing flood risk and the impacts of flooding around the country for all citizens, not just those in towns and cities. This is set out in the whole-of-Government approach to flood risk management nationally, and the Government is fully committed to implementing this policy.

I also point to the significant work being carried out by the Department in Athlone. I look forward to welcoming the Minister to Athlone to see at first hand the alleviation measures that have been carried out in the town, and also the significant amount of work that has been done by the staff of the OPW and the local authority on the ground. I also acknowledge the further significant work to be done in Carrickobrien and rural areas in order to protect those vital communities from flooding risk.

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