Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome Fr. Shaughnessy. My mother was Maureen Quinn from Tuam. I am delighted to see him here today.

I welcome the Minister of State. It is my first time attending here with the Minister of State in the House. I heartily congratulate him. He has had a meteoric rise, if I may so. Well done to him.

On coastal flooding, there are serious fears that Fenit Island could become separated from the mainland. On behalf of Councillor Tom McEllistrim, I wish to raise the matter of sewage seeping into the water regularly. The pipes are not able to cope with flooding. It is very serious and new infrastructure is required. There was heavy flooding two weeks ago. It is normally in January and February. It would be most helpful if the Minister of State could personally address the issue of flooding on Fenit Island. There is a beautiful 16th century castle on the island also. The island is accessible from the mainland but we want to ensure it remains so. I would be very grateful if the Minister of State could give his attention to it on my behalf.

I wish to raise the issue of the River Clare in Galway on behalf of Councillor Malachy Noone. I have visited the area a number of times. The Minister of State knows the situation there is very serious. Can the Minister of State give us more detail on when the intended works will take place?