Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of the Crossmolina flood relief scheme. I note that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy McGrath, and the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, are in the Chamber. The people of Crossmolina need progress on this scheme as we enter the winter months. I understand final approval is due to be decided on within days. We need to get the ball rolling on the construction phase. This is a €13.5 million project that will provide protection to 116 properties, which have been repeatedly subjected to flooding putting personal safety and livelihoods at risk. It was great to invite the Minister of State to Crossmolina in May to see first-hand the importance of this project going ahead. Dozens of homes and businesses in Crossmolina were hit by flooding in December 2015, which resulted in millions of euro worth of damage, with many homes and businesses now struggling to obtain flood insurance. The Crossmolina community has been waiting patiently following initial delays because of design and environmental challenges. I hope this will change in the coming days.

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