Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cork County Council is working closely with the community during the remaining delivery of this important scheme. In the briefing provided by the OPW and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, they speak about different types of flood event. I think they reference one particular event having that time period. I take the Deputy's point on the greater frequency that is being seen there. I am not sure what the specific definition of those flood events was. I understand the importance of bringing security and certainty for the wider community who live in fear of the next storm and the next event. There is an obligation on the State and the wider structures of the State to respond properly and with sincerity to make progress in the interests of the communities the Deputy represents and address the concerns he has articulated. I take that point very seriously.

Two meetings have been scheduled recently between the steering group for the scheme and locally elected representatives, businesses and residents. One took place in November of last year and the other is scheduled for this month. The Government is committed to the delivery of a flood relief scheme for Midleton and this will be funded from the €1.3 billion that is available for flood risk management measures under the national development plan. I will raise the wider concerns and points the Deputy has made and the need for absolute focus on delivery and progress on this matter for the people in Midleton.

Regarding the roads, which have been atrociously damaged, I know, there is extensive work ongoing between Cork County Council and the Department of Transport on putting the final estimate together. We will be responding properly so that there are full repairs and restoration of the road network, both local and regional, that was very badly affected during that period and will try to make significant progress on that this year. There is extensive engagement ongoing on that.

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