Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

I join with my colleagues in expressing concern about last night's flooding, particularly in the Cork area. It is not so long ago since the western side of the city was badly affected, now Douglas, on the south side and Ballyvolane and Blackpool on the north side are seriously affected. It goes back to the issue of long-term planning and whether we are making adequate provision for such events. Let me give the House two simple examples. UCC built a brand new complex on the banks of the river. Within 12 months of opening it the basement level, where all the computer equipment was located, was flooded and some €25 million worth of goods were destroyed. Likewise, the Courts Service located its computer system in the basement of the courthouse in Cork which was destroyed when the building was flooded. I wonder about long-term planning. State organisations and local authorities need to be far more proactive in this regard.

At 3.30 a.m. today, Cork City Council implemented the emergency action plan. I congratulate the council and everyone involved for taking decisive action and dealing with the issue there and then. We should thank them for taking action so speedily, but the Minister of State needs to report to the House on the matter. Once a full report has been made, our planning needs to become more proactive and long term rather than reactive.