Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)

I assure the Deputy and the House that the Minister of State and the Government are committed to proactively addressing, along with Cork County Council, the flood risk to homes, businesses and communities in County Cork. These measures are being funded through the Government's €1.3 billion allocation for flood relief measures under the national development plan. The Minister of State will continue to work with Cork County Council on the delivery of flood relief schemes and interim measures for the most at-risk communities. I encourage Cork County Council to consider using the demand-led OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme to address and manage localised flood risk. The Minister of State's recent announcement is making it easier for local authorities to address flood risk in local areas.

I agree with Deputy Collins on many of the issues he raised. In 2009, there was a major flood in the west and 14 houses in my area were flooded. It took nearly five years for reports to be done by the OPW. I have to say that when it finally did the work, it did excellent work. When it does the work, it does it right. The OPW has done a job for life in my area. I know it is frustrating for business and homeowners, particularly when their businesses and homes are flooded again and again, but unfortunately, it takes a long time for reports to be completed and to ensure that the job is done right. I recognise the passion that the Deputy speaks with because I experienced it at first hand myself recently in Clarinbridge, when a number of businesses were flooded during a storm. The flood waters actually lifted a 10-tonne container, such was the strength of the waves that came in off the sea. Water does a lot of damage to houses and businesses.

I will raise these issues with the Minister of State. I spoke to him earlier this morning. Unfortunately, he could not be here because he had a prior engagement with the Tánaiste. I assure the Deputy that I will speak to the Minister of State again. I thank Deputy Collins for raising this important issue and acknowledge the passion he put into it.

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