Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, they are very efficient.
I will look into the points Senator Byrne raised about the arterial river in Drumconrath, County Meath, which is known as the River Neagh, as confirmed by the Acting Chairman.
The Claregalway relief works are a major scheme and priority for my office. We have had many representations on it and are eager to progress it. Its EIS, environmental impact statement, is being evaluated by consultants hired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I hope it can go to construction in 2015.
I was delighted to visit Cork city with Senator Burke recently and meet stakeholders there. I gave a commitment on that visit to return in January to have a further engagement on the flooding problems there. I am aware of the issues there and I am grateful to the Senator for outlining them again today.
Senator Barrett is correct that co-ordination between the various agencies is key to this. The whole purpose of the catchment flood risk assessment and management programme is rather than having an ad hocresponse, there is a proactive co-ordinated response. I am excited by the CFRAM process. I accept it will not be without difficulty but for the first time a national strategic approach to flooding will be in place.
I am eager we continue engaging with the insurance industry but also that it sees benefits for the taxpayer. We try to come up with flood relief schemes that are acceptable to communities, so there is quite a level of consultation in this regard.
I will check out the bridge in Carrick-on-Suir referred to by Senator Landy and look forward to meeting delegations with Senator Conway. Senator Landy's suggestion about CFRAM is not flippant. We will explore all options.