Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the Senators who contributed to what has been a very good debate. It was full of suggestions and proposals, as well as expressions of concern for those worst affected, and commendation for those involved in the humanitarian rescue efforts of recent days. We all desire the same objective of alleviating distress in the short-term. Once the emergency has been overcome, however, we must tackle the longer-term problems. In so far as we can, we will seek to mitigate the effects of flooding and climate change.

There are broadly two types of situation involved. There are towns or parts of cities where flood protection schemes have been completed or are under way. In other areas, such schemes have yet to be devised, if they are appropriate, which they may not be in all cases. It should be noted that where works have been carried out, and to the extent to which they have been completed, they have made a big difference. Mallow north is the most obvious example, while Carrick-on-Suir is another one. In Clonmel there was quite a bad flood in January, although not as bad as the current one. In the meantime, phase one of the town's flood protection scheme has nearly been completed. More credit should have been given to that situation, which means that areas that were previously badly flooded have been spared to a greater extent. There are another two or three weeks in the first phase. There is one exception, namely an archaeological find in a particular area. It will take until the end of January for that hole to be plugged. Phases two and three of the scheme will start towards the end of the first quarter of next year.