Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully understand that there were over 1,000 submissions. At least 900 of those were in support of the flood relief programme proceeding. It is extremely important because these are residents who are living in Blackpool. They are third and fourth generation people who are living there and now find they are restricted in what they can do with their property. I ask that this issue now be prioritised. In one particular area in the eastern part of the country, the issue has been going on for 25 years. We have already seen about 15 floods in Blackpool since 1974. I do not want this issue to still be going on in five or ten years' time, with the same discussions happening after major flooding of the area, where property is damaged and people suffer further loss.

I fully accept that the Department has to go through procedures. There is the risk at all times of judicial review. I fully understand that but once all the t's are crossed and i's dotted, we should not delay in making a decision on this matter. Even if we go out to a tender process in the morning, it will still take time for work to commence. The best example is the Glanmire flood relief scheme in my constituency, where there were no objections. Substantial flooding occurred there in 2010 and 2012 but the work is almost completed there now, and a huge amount of additional work was done as well to make the place safe for both businesses and residents. That work has been done by the OPW, which has done a very good job there. The reason was there was no objection to the scheme and it was able to progress. Twelve years from a major flooding event, that scheme is now almost completed. It is important now we give priority to this Blackpool project.

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