Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Any acceleration of the process will be essential in getting the badly needed flood defences. I will take up the Minister's offer to meet us on the matter. Bantry and the wider community of the town need permanent flood defences as soon as possible. In the meantime, the town needs additional support to deal with the inevitable flooding it faces.

I have previously raised the point that a proactive engagement with the community during the consultation phases, one which is based on a partnership model, will help alleviate any potential tension points and ultimately help improve the scheme. When we discussed this matter in September I noted that Bantry would benefit from the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme. Funding has only been approved for sites up to the end of September. I hope Bantry will be included in any further announcements for the final quarter of this year. Any short-term investment will have manifold benefits for Bantry and its community and businesses. They cannot wait any longer.

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