Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This needs to happen, and there should be dialogue between local authorities, the OPW and insurance companies. Individuals are being left uninsured, and they feel it is unfair, particularly where it can be established that investment has been made and the risk of repeat flooding has been reduced.

The Minister of State mentioned minor capital works, which are very important. In my experience of dealing with communities after flooding, I know there should be some forum where people could communicate with the OPW and local authorities. I have done some reading on the issue and there are local flood action groups in some areas and particularly in the UK. For example, after the 2009 floods in an area near Ballinhassig, people met local representatives in the community hall when they were looking for the channel of the river to be dredged. Everybody local to the area knew the river was rising under the bridges but the dredging work was never done. It could have been carried out under the minor works scheme.

Local communities have much historical information, as we saw when Senator Landy referred to his grandfather. We all have this type of information. With regard to planning, we know building should not have taken place on flood plains but we are where we are. On 28 June this year the flooding in Cork affected a major shopping centre, which only has approximately 25% occupancy. I do not know if the shops will ever open again because, unfortunately, the flooding occurred when the retail sector is experiencing difficulties anyway. It is a difficult position and we are still waiting for answers and measures to be announced. Remedial work will not come from major flood defences but it could certainly come from the minor works programme.