Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

The River Barrow. We are used to getting flooded on a regular basis. The towns of Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown, Inistoige and such low-lying areas are always flooded whenever the river floods. For some reason no one ever discusses these areas, we simply accept it. There was 18 inches of water in my yard, but I took action some 20 years ago in my House. I raised the floors, blocked all the vents and installed barrier flow doors in the House. The water would have to rise more than four feet to enter the House.

It is possible to take action to protect against flooding. For example, in the case of bathrooms, it is possible to install a trap which allows water out but not in. We should take such measures as part of good planning when we build new houses in future. Any new design should factor in the likelihood of flooding. It would make a great difference if there were some prevention measures in the building and design of houses.

It is interesting to note what happened in Sallins. A private company was involved and reported a blockage in a culvert to the local authorities at least six weeks before the floods came, but no action was taken. When a report arrives to the effect that a culvert is likely to be blocked it is a shining example of how local authorities can be effective. Difficulties with culverts are often the beginning of problems that lead to flooding. There are two areas that flood regularly on my road, the road from Graiguenamanagh to St. Mullin's. A simple job with a JCB could clear these areas by cutting a dyke into the ditch to allow the water to flow into the local field and away. Flooding has occurred there for the past five years and I am tired of reporting it to Carlow County Council. No action has been taken. We can compliment local authorities for a great many things, and we do, but much practical work could be done at local level without much cost and which would alleviate a good deal of flash flooding. That is vitally important.

I thank the Minister of State, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Taoiseach for their efforts. They made the effort to go throughout the country to see the problems at first hand. We are criticised no matter what we do, but this is a traumatic time for people.

We have been flooded many times and it is only when one sees one's personal goods destroyed that the extent of the problem hits home. I visited some people in our town who will not be able to move back into their houses before Christmas. They have a major problem and were unable to get insurance because of previous flooding. Graiguenamanagh is a town that floods frequently in two areas, on the quay and by the Duiske river. I reckon it would cost no more than €500,000 or €600,000 to alleviate and stop flooding in these areas in future, not a very significant investment financially. It would help if several walls were raised in several places. Such towns as Thomastown and Inistoige need their defences raised because the water comes very quickly from the city of Kilkenny, which is on the Nore, and floods these areas. Similarly, water comes through the Barrow much faster now and the areas adjacent to the Barrow can become flooded. They are flood plains but there are no buildings in these area.

Such towns as Carlow, Bagenalstown, Burris and Graiguenamanagh were all built during the 1200s. We have been building towns on flood plains and close to rivers since the old days. It is fair to say people enjoy living close to water. However, one must protect oneself from the water but take the advantages that water provides as well. It does not flood all the time and it is very pleasant to live and fish along the rivers and there is a good deal of kudos for the people who live there. However, we must take action now.

There are many projects coming to a close which involve new infrastructure and roads, including the completion of the M50 and other roads. This is an opportunity and projects dealing with flood barriers should be in the national development plan. Many flood barriers are old and cannot stand up to more recent flooding. In Cumbria in the UK, some 25 bridges were simply washed away by enormous floods. Our flooding was bad but it was worse for them. I saw some news reports on the matter which were frightening. One policeman lost his life. Thanks be to God we have not had any loss of life here.

We need to provide the Minister with resources. We cannot blame any Minister if he or she is not provided with sufficient resources. The flood damage will costs hundreds of millions, both to insurance companies and the Government. We would be better off spending money on a programme now. The work could be done in conjunction with FÁS, which would provide jobs for local labour given that the building trade is not working to full capacity. That is something we know for some time. There is an opportunity to get the work done up to 40% cheaper than would normally be the case. An investment at this stage would be prudent. I accept that money is scarce but we have a national development plan and we are getting good value for money on it. I would like to see substantial money being invested in flood protection.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, and the Taoiseach for getting out and seeing the damage at first hand. I suggest to the Minister of State that in the budget a substantial amount of money would be provided to his Department to ensure that work is carried out.