Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the flooding issue, it is important to prioritise the provision of flood defences, but it is also important that they be planned correctly. Interestingly, one report from the United Kingdom shows that in one area £37 million was spent on flood defences, yet, four or five years later, the entire area was flooded again. Consequently, it is not only about building flood defences but also about making sure they cater adequately for the threats in terms of sudden changes in weather. This must be prioritised because in the Cork region alone approximately €60 million to €70 million must be spent on flood defences for the city and surrounding areas that have been flooded, including both residential areas and business premises. It is important to ensure local authorities do not go after business premises that have been flooded for rates for the next 12 months because they are paying a substantial sum of money to keep local authorities going. I visited one premises recently for which more than €120,000 per year or €2,400 per week was being paid in rates to the local authority. That is a huge amount of money. It is now extremely important that any business or premises that has suffered flood damage be given a reprieve from the local authority in the payment of rates for the coming year. Businesses should be given that allowance because a great number of premises no longer are insured as they were flooded previously and, therefore, do not have insurance this time around. That is an important step and every possible support must be provided for those commercial premises and people with small businesses that are operating with a tight margin.This is eliminating any margin they have. This issue needs to be a priority for the next 12 months.