Marie Moloney (Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for taking this Adjournment debate. I apologise for not welcoming her when I was in the Chair earlier. Another Senator jumped in before I had the opportunity, but I will welcome her now.

My matter relates to the town of Rathmore in County Kerry. I am unsure as to whether the Minister of State is au fait with it. The Cullavaw river flows behind the town for approximately two miles before joining the River Blackwater. Much of the area has suffered severe flooding several times, with one house flooded and five others put at risk. At Ballycullane in Rathmore, two large streams join together and flow into the Cullavaw river, which can lead to exceptional flooding that blocks the road and forces residents to use a longer route to get to the western side of the town where the church and a number of shops are located.

I cannot understand why Rathmore has not been included in the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme, which is designed to assess and map the county's river system to identify areas at risk of significant flooding. I assume that major works will not be carried out on the Cullavaw, given that it has not been even included in the flood risk review report that is being prepared. If this is so, will the Minister of State confirm whether the river is suitable for funding under the minor works scheme? Residents are asking that the overgrowth along the river banks be cut back and that the eyes of the bridge be cleared of the shrubbery that impedes the water's flow and results in flooding. I am sure the Minister of State agrees that it is not too much to ask for the Office of Public Works, OPW, to clear the river bank.

People are entitled to live in their homes without the fear or risk of flooding. If a house is flooded and one claims on one's insurance, the house will never be covered against flooding again. This is a major concern for residents.

We seem to have wet weather constantly. Unfortunately, this might continue to be the case. In this light, it is important that we nip the problem in the bud before a considerable amount of money is needed to carry out major works. I await the Minister of State's response and hope she will have some good news for me.