Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State and genuinely acknowledge and appreciate his support for new schemes. I know he is doing everything he can. We spoke privately about these on a number of occasions. Regarding tranche 2 flood relief schemes, and we spoke about Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch, there are other schemes in Kilkenny, such as Freshford, Piltown, Inistioge and Thomastown in particular. They are in the tranche 2 flood relief schemes. I think there are 50 schemes nationally. Given the fact it takes ten or 11 years to get these projects over the line and long-term solutions in place, will the Minister of State commit to progressing those particular schemes so the people of Thomastown, Inistioge, Piltown and Freshford will have the peace of mind and security of knowing their homes or businesses are not going to be flooded or destroyed as happened a number of years ago?

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