Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this Adjournment matter and commend the Minister of State at the Department of Finance on his commitment to those who have been affected by recent flooding.

I wish to speak about the years of under investment by the Government in Cork's quay walls. These walls, which date back to the 18th century, are in a precarious state and cannot be expected to last much longer without repairs. Every year during Cork City Council's estimates process, Councillor Jim Corr raises the issue of funding to strengthen the quay walls.

The recent flooding in Cork resulted in the demolition of the quay walls at Grenville Place and the Mardyke. Cork City Council emergency crews and the Army have buttressed the walls with 3,000 tonnes of rubble and stone but, as Mr. Don Moore of the Irish Academy of Engineers has noted, it would be prudent to invest in the infrastructure of Cork's bridges and quay walls. The council lacks the resources to complete and strengthen the quay walls and needs capital funding from the Department of Finance or the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for this project. For the past eight years, the council has requested funding as part of its submission on its annual roads programme but has repeatedly been refused. The walls at Lancaster Quay, Mercy University Hospital, the Mardyke, Western Road and French's Quay require enhancement and protection.

The river and its quays are pivotal to Cork's road arteries. Further flooding calamities could cause major traffic disruption in addition to their potential for loss of life and property. When the council widened the road in front of City Hall, it spent its own money to improve Lapp's Quay. This is only a small part of the jigsaw but every planning permission granted for developments adjoining the quays, such as the Clarion Hotel, includes conditions on infrastructure improvements.

We need to invest in the quay walls and put in place a strategy to protect and enhance them. As part of a briefing given to Oireachtas Members last Monday, the city manager stated that he was engaging in examination of the city's bridges and walls. I hope the Minister of State can give me a commitment on the capital funding the council needs.