Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can provide a more comprehensive answer to the Deputy in writing. I was in County Louth last year, shortly after I was appointed, and met the Louth county manager. I fully appreciate the concerns that exist. The Deputy is correct. The counties of Louth, Meath, Dublin, Wexford, Wicklow and down into Waterford and east Cork are particularly exposed. The speed at which we are responding will have to increase significantly. As I have stated in this Chamber previously, as well as in that awful place down on the quays to which I hope we will not be going back any time soon, the response time to these communities is too slow. I have no difficulty saying that. This generation has seen the growth of massive urban conurbations in places such as Dundalk. These are significant population bases to which we have to respond. If the sea level continues to raise at the current rate, these urban communities will be facing massive difficulty. The Deputy is correct. I can respond to him in writing with a more comprehensive reply.

See this speech in context