Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When I raised the issue of flooding in west County Cork about six or eight weeks ago, the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, gave me a commitment to give me an updated report regarding what is happening with Bandon, Clonakilty and Skibbereen. Tremendous work was carried out in Bandon, which was flooded in November 2009 to the extent that in some cases properties were flooded to a depth of six or eight feet of water. Work had progressed there but, unfortunately, in recent weeks the contractor left the site resulting in the work being stalled, which is of serious concern to the people of Bandon. On Monday, 19 November, I attended a removal in Bandon and it was almost impossible to get to the funeral home because of the presence of the fire brigade, Garda vehicles, etc., following a flood warning. Thankfully, the projected flood with potentially disastrous consequences did not emerge.

A number of assurances were given and schedules outlined for works in Skibbereen, and every year the works have been delayed or postponed. Last spring, the senior county engineer promised an early warning system, but that has not materialised. Such a system is essential because on two or three nights last week members of a voluntary flood-prevention group in Skibbereen were up at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. trying to predict when the high tides and the swollen river waters would converge and cause flooding in the town. Thankfully, only minimal flooding occurred. Why have the scheduled works been deferred? Is there a problem with the money? Why has there been a lack of progress given the commitments made by the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, and his predecessor, Dr. Martin Mansergh?

Clonakilty was flooded again recently. This and the previous Government made a commitment that where towns or villages are subjected to increased and constant flooding, no issues would be put in the way with regard to lack of finance. As far as I can gather, that commitment has been reasonably honoured, but in these three towns in my area in different ways and at different times severe flooding has occurred. Following this year's abnormal rainfall resulting in major saturation of the land, I am deeply concerned that during the winter one or more of these three towns will be flooded with major personal losses to individuals in their homes and losses to businesses. There are also concerns of bodies such as Civil Defence, the county council and others that are there to defend it.

In the past 12 months it appears that when the county council office closes at 5 p.m. the engineers and the other staff who are critical to the monitoring and prevention of floods seem to vanish. The continued input by senior staff such as engineers and area managers is not available after that time in the evening, which is ridiculous. I do not know if this is caused by a shortage of staff following cutbacks. The high tides and torrential rain which can lead to flooding are easily predicted and the people who should be in command of these situations, such as the senior engineers, should be available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, as are the people on the ground and the voluntary people. I ask the Minister of State to comment on that.