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

The Deputy is right with regard to households and the impact flooding has on businesses and amenities. The day I visited with the Deputy, I saw first-hand the impact it could have on communities. These communities are leading through a bottom-up approach. They are being supported in no small way by Údarás na Gaeltachta, chomh maith le Roinn na Gaeltachta a bhí in aonach linn nuair a bhíomar ann cúpla seachtain ó shin. The Deputy is right. Any of the temporary measures taken, by their nature, are temporary. We have to look at providing much longer term protection for properties. The degree to which water levels have risen in the River Lee catchment area, and the tributaries flowing into it, will be taken into account by Cork County Council.

The Deputy raised the issue of sewage treatment works, which is an asset of Irish Water. I will revert to him on that by email or in writing.

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