Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)

I could not agree more. As the Deputy said, there is a lot of good and positive stuff happening in County Clare. The Department is working closely with the local authority on the local drainage scheme and it is supported by the Government, which is very important. I am looking closely at the issue the Deputy spoke about. I am looking at vegetation clearing, getting into the rivers and working with the local authorities. I hope to have good news on that in the near future. I have been working closely with local authorities and elected representatives up and down the country all of which face the same problem. They tell me that when the rivers are never cleaned and this is not done when flooding occurs. However, it means working with the local authorities and we also have to comply with environmental rules. I am working on that and will hopefully have good news in the near future for the local authorities.

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