David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is nine years later. Why does it take so long to deal with so important and devastating an issue in this country? It will have taken nine years for people to get their act together and put a plan in place. The planning application has to be lodged but we do not know how long it will take for a decision on that application to be finalised. There may also be objections. The Government really needs to get its act together on this because we are talking about life and death. Devastation occurred, homes were destroyed and businesses were wrecked and it is going to happen again and again. We are talking about a rise in the sea level as well. I do not want to see my area and my town devastated. If it happens again, homes and businesses will be abandoned. People will not go back. When people hear it raining at night, they stay awake. We really need action on this. People across the board really need to get their finger out. The Minister of State is doing his best and I support him 100% in what he is doing but people really need to move on this. It has been going on for too long and it is very important.

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