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

As I said at the outset, the Government is committed to making sure that the necessary funding, not only for private infrastructure but also for public infrastructure, is made available. As he was at the meeting in Midleton fire station when the CEO of Cork County Council raised the issue of damaged public infrastructure, Deputy O'Connor will be aware that the Taoiseach's response on behalf of the Government was very clear. This was followed up by the Tánaiste when he visited at the weekend. When assessments are completed by Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Waterford County Council in respect of the areas primarily affected by this event, they will have to be returned to the Government through the various Departments that have responsibility for them. I refer not only to my own Department but also to those responsible for housing, transport and education, etc. The Taoiseach was very firm in his response when he said that as with other flood events that have devastated other parts of the country, the Government will not be found wanting in making sure that the financial resources required to fund public infrastructure repairs, and the schemes to which I have already alluded for businesses and private homes, will be made available.

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