Seanad debates

Wednesday, 20 January 2016

10:30 am

Photo of Kathryn ReillyKathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the State. Like many other Senators, I start by offering my sympathy to those who were affected by flooding across the country in recent weeks. I commend all those who worked relentlessly to help defend homes, to help bring supplies, to rescue people and animals and all those involved in the clean up as the flood waters recede.

The devastation visited upon people has been colossal. We have seen it on the news every day. Politicians of all political persuasions and none have been wellie deep with those communities. It is nice that we are using our wellies other than for the National Ploughing Championships and Electric Picnic and that we are getting down and dirty and seeing the effects. People appreciate that because they need to see that we, as legislators, understand what is happening in their real lives.

It is important to realise that this is not the first time there has been flooding. It has happened on many occasions and it is not likely to be the last time it happens. I agree with other Senators that it cannot be an issue we make politics out of because people living with the effects of flooding do not want to see this issue as a political ping pong ball or used as a battering ram back and forth. At the same time, it is important that we remember that the political decisions we make in this House, and which have been made in the past, have effects in terms of what has happened and what will happen in the future. It has been thrashed out in the media, in political houses, in council chambers and at dinner tables right across the State that under planning laws developers were allowed to build on flood plains. For example, in 2003, a proposal to introduce a ban on building on flood plains was rejected by the Government. We must be serious about these issues. Last month, the Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht urged a ban on future building on flood plains.Now the onus is on the Government and legislators to respond and act on that. As other Senators mentioned, it is to our great shame that insurance companies are not providing flood insurance for home owners and businesses. In parts of Dublin, where major flood defences were constructed, the fact that insurance companies are not providing insurance or are only doing so at a prohibitive cost is unacceptable. I agree with Senator Keane that it is a cop out. This is an important issue.

Earlier this month it was reported in the national press that progress reports from the OPW reveal that almost 20 major flood defence schemes that are necessary to protect built-up areas are behind schedule. The Minister of State mentioned these in his speech. The national press reported that some schemes across several counties are up to two years overdue because of delays in completing detailed designs or failure to appoint consultants to oversee the projects. Will the Minister of State provide an update on that? It is very important that we inform the public if anything has happened since then in order that the correct information is available, particularly for the relevant communities. Can we be given information on the completion of designs, appointment of consultants and the current position of those projects in view of the delays that were reported?

With regard to agriculture, will the Minister of State refer briefly to the effects of flooding on farming and, for example, on grass quality, although he might not be totally au faitwith this issue? Flooding and wet weather are costly for agriculture because they cause delays in, and a reduction of, the crop harvest and can cause significant damage to grassland. The type of sward, degree of weed infestation, the duration of flooding, soil type, amount of silt and debris and the flow rate of water determine the effects the flooding will have in terms of pasture damage and the subsequent recovery. Teagasc has warned, for example, that what will result in many flooded areas is a reduction in the quality of silage. The onslaught of flooding over a prolonged period is especially worrying because of the effects that will become evident in the months later in the year. That is when it will hit home for many farmers.

The Minister of State mentioned some of this in his opening statement but what interactions have taken place with farming organisations? Coupled with the work that has been done with homes and small businesses, what impact analysis is taking place on the effects on farmers? The terrible effects of the flooding that will become apparent later in the year in terms of crop yields, harvests and livestock must be assessed. Will there be an income plunge for farmers due to the increased costs associated with dealing with the flooding and the effects on grass or crop quality? Indeed, my local newspaper reports today that a Teagasc adviser, David Colbourne, warned that the level of flooding over recent weeks means we might not get the return of high-quality productive grasses. There are also the effects on the silage yield later in the year. I welcome the schemes that have been put in place by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney. That will help in some way to compensate farmers. However, like those homes that are in danger of repeat flooding, these issues are likely to recur and the farming community, which often has difficulty accessing bank credit, particularly in times of need, requires some reassurance and guidance, especially when it takes months for the effects to be felt. This issue might fall off the political radar or there might be something else happening, so farmers must ensure their voices will be heard and that the effects of the flooding will be offset.

I have given my observations and posed a few questions to the Minister of State. As other Senators have said, it is important we do not play political ping-pong with this issue. This affects people's lives. While we are out canvassing, many people might forget about this issue, but it is still the daily reality for many people. We must ensure we carry out the future planning and that it is consistently on the radar. We are legislators and that is our job, first and foremost.

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