Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Cairns and Christopher O'Sullivan, who are both more aware than I am that Bantry experienced significant flooding at around 6 a.m. yesterday. It appears that the source of the flood water was a mixture of tidal effluvium and pluvium as the main culvert through the town was also running full at the time of flooding. As the Deputies said, the fire brigade was on site and pumped water over the quay wall. It is estimated that 23 properties flooded on the south side of the square and New Street. It is difficult to know at this stage the level of the water but it is estimated that floodwater reached 1.5 inches on one property on New Street, the Gift Shop. The floodwater abated around 8 a.m. and the fire brigade pumped the last of the water from the north side of the quay.

I know how difficult it is when flooding occurs. I was in business for many years and to have water entering a premises is soul-destroying. Trading for businesses has been difficult enough over the past while. Coming into the three-week window before Christmas when trading is so important to stave off the challenges in the new year when things are much quieter, it is very difficult.

I agree with the Deputies on the importance of expediting the scheme and I will also raise the issue they mentioned. I am familiar with the Beara Peninsula. I holidayed in the area last year and have relatives living there as well. Coastal erosion on the Waterford coast is also a challenge for those of living in the area. I will raise these matters with the Minister and Minister of State. I empathise and sympathise with the businesses that were flooded yesterday morning. We know flooding very well in Portlaw and it is the worst type of mess to try to clean up afterwards, especially when it gets into electrics. I hope things were better overnight. I thank Members for their time.

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