Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Once again, I call for a debate on the need to introduce time limits for An Bord Pleanála decisions. This is a very pressing at the moment for none more so than people living in east Galway who have been subjected to such an unmitigated disaster in recent days with the flooding. It is clear that families' lives are being destroyed along the Dunkellin river and the Aggard stream all because we are awaiting a decision on planning for flood relief works to be carried out on the rivers. I visited Craughwell and Athenry in recent days and met with families affected by flooding. I am dismayed at what they have gone through. Pensioners had to be saved and transported from their homes by fire and rescue services, four wheel drives and buses. It is the second time in six years that those people have been rendered homeless because of flooding.