Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)

I begin by sincerely acknowledging the Minister of State's continued commitment to tackling flood risk across the country. I have worked closely with him in my own constituency of Roscommon-Galway and I have first-hand knowledge of his deep engagement with local communities and his determination to deliver real, practical outcomes. His leadership has been instrumental in progressing key projects that matter to people on the ground. These are projects that do not just promise change, but deliver it.

One such project is the interim pumping solution at Lough Funshinagh, an area that has faced enormous pressures from flooding for far too long. Since the system was activated earlier this year, it has been operating efficiently and effectively and it has already made a tangible difference to people's lives. The reduction in water levels has significantly eased pressures on families and residents around the lough, people who have lived for years under the constant threat of flooding, evacuations and property damage. The emotional and mental toll of that kind of uncertainty cannot be overstated. For some, this was the third time since 2016 that they were forced to leave their homes. What we are seeing now is relief stability and some well-earned peace of mind. That is not just the result of engineering; it is the result of political will, partnership and the Minister of State's determination to act.

This is, of course, an interim solution. While it is working well, we are under no allusion that the job is done. I am delighted to hear that planning for the flood relief scheme will be lodged in quarter 4 of this year. That will mark a major milestone and I know the Minister of State will continue to support that process every step of the way.

This same focus on long-term sustainable solutions is just as important elsewhere in the constituency. In Ballinasloe, particularly Derrymullan, we know all too well the devastating impact of recurring flooding. That is why I warmly welcome the news that a statutory public exhibition of the proposed scheme for Ballinasloe is scheduled for quarter 3 this year, with a full planning application expected in 2026. It represents long-overdue progress for a community that has waited with patience and resilience for action. We also look forward to welcoming the Minister of State to Ballinasloe in the coming weeks to assess the situation on the ground and to meet residents directly.

His ongoing attention and support are invaluable as we work together to secure meaningful, long-lasting flood protection across Roscommon and Galway. The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes under the national development plan out to 2030. This is a significant and welcome investment that reflects the scale of the challenge we face. It is aimed at protecting approximately 23,000 homes, farms and businesses in communities threatened by both river and coastal flooding. This level of commitment demonstrates that flood relief is no longer seen as a short-term fix but as a long-term infrastructural priority that is essential to protecting people's lives and livelihoods.

I want to acknowledge the ongoing communication from the Minister of State and his team with communities along the Shannon and sub-Callows who continue to face real and difficult challenges. Those engagements matter deeply to the people affected, including farmers, homeowners and business owners. I know they greatly appreciate the respect and seriousness with which the Minister of State approaches those discussions. Continued dialogue and follow-through will be key to ensuring that they too see progress. Flood relief is not just about engineering and planning but also about safeguarding homes, protecting livelihoods and restoring confidence in the future. It is something that I know the Minister of State takes seriously and I will continue to work with him on it in the future.

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