Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Gabhaim buíochas don Chathaoirleach mar gur thóg sé cead dom an rún seo a chur roimh an Teach, agus cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Áine Brady. The motion calls on the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, whom I know is unable to be here tonight, to make an immediate announcement regarding the contract for the Lower Lee flood risk management scheme. The Minister of State and the Government have a duty to the people of Cork to outline whether funding is in place and, if so, when the flood protection measures will be commenced and completed.

The recent revelations by the ESB that the flooding of Cork is no longer considered a once in 800 year occurrence is of extreme concern to the people of Cork. Almost 12 months on from the eve of the flooding, procrastination by Government and the Departments has resulted in the ESB refusing to implement changes to operating procedures despite the recommendations of Lee Flood Risk Management Plan that the ESB and OPW co-ordinate their working schedule. Of concern is that no timeframe has been given in regard to when these works will commence. This is despite the fact that an internal ESB report on the flooding found that the inflow to the reservoirs during the flooding was two and a half times what is considered normal. This should serve as a warning to Government that we need action and to have the necessary works carried out immediately. Immediately does not mean in 12 months time. This work must commence soon. The ESB has stated that once OPW completes its downstream works on the River Lee it can allow increased discharges from Inniscarra, which in turn will improve its ability to lower reservoir levels in advance of bad weather and heavy rain.

It is important the Minister of State, Deputy Brady, makes a statement tonight in regard to the contract for the Lower Lee flood risk management scheme. The response received will provide us with a timeframe in regard to the appointment of a contractor, an indication of when the OPW can expect to receive the completed feasibility study and when the flood protection measures are likely to be completed. These are critical questions that need to be answered by Government on behalf of the people of Cork. When in February, the Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, visited Cork he stated he was thankful the type of flooding that occurred was a once in a centenary event. According to the ESB, this is not the case.

It is now winter and we are approaching the first anniversary of the flooding and the people of Cork need and deserve better than what occurred last year when almost 40% of its water supply was disrupted. Some 12 months on, there is still no early warning system in place and the quay walls of Grenville Place have not been restored. Is funding for this work in place for the OPW? Is the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, confident such funding will be provided and that the works will be commenced in 2010 or will we have to wait until 2011 for work to commence? I am hoping the Government will not sit back in the hope that the people of Cork have a Mediterranean-type winter. Cork people are by nature of sunny disposition. However, the long range weather forecast indicates a severe winter ahead. The Government can no longer put this work on the longer finger. The people of Cork deserve a timeframe within which there will be a call to action and greater co-ordination between the different strands involved. I hope the Minister of State's reply to this important motion will be positive.