Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the great interest in this topic from TDs both locally and nationally. We are talking really about east Cork, Glanmire and other areas. I have been to Midleton. What we want to do here is protect people's homes and businesses. Wherever flooding takes place it is devastating. We are putting in place a comprehensive scheme in Midleton. It has taken a bit longer than we would have liked but we have had Storm Babet, so it must be legally robust. The OPW is working towards planning with Cork County Council. There are statutory processes that we have to go through. Regarding interim measures in Midleton, local authorities can apply to the minor works scheme for funding for interim or permanent measures at any location.

This must be done in a structured way. Flooding is a technical issue. It is up to the local authorities to assess the needs of local people and apply for grants from my Department, which will assess them and look to fund them. My objective at the moment is to get a thorough, detailed assessment done. We have engaged already with the OPW, so then it will be the county council. From there, we will visit the area to meet the people on the ground. I met many of them already, both the public and the-----

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