Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last week, Senator Ó Donnghaile rightly welcomed the agreement between the Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association and the Orange Order regarding marching in Ardoyne. I wanted to welcome that but, unfortunately, I became involved in a local issue in the Seanad. This agreement is of huge significance and is something for which we must congratulate all the parties involved. I know the work that is being done on the ground, which is incredible. When issues arise, we have cameras and television crews highlighting all that is negative but this is very positive. One man I want to thank is Fr. Gary Donegan from Holy Cross Church. He has worked every evening for many years to ensure that outbreaks of hostility do not occur. It was very depressing to see how he was verbally attacked by people who were very upset, which I can understand. I see now that a man has been arrested for making threats to a journalist and that the matter has gone to the Director of Public Prosecutions. We must ensure that nobody can threaten journalists in Northern Ireland or elsewhere. I will not comment further but I think this is a hugely significant moment and I thank all the people, organisations and political parties involved in reaching this agreement.

We are very concerned about flooding on the River Shannon. The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Canney, will today announce confirmations of water levels with the various bodies. A lot of work has been done behind the scenes by various groups, including the local authorities, Bord na Móna and many local groups with small remedial schemes. I believe they will be very helpful. I am not sure about one area. I need to be convinced that the ESB is fully living up to its responsibilities. The ESB needs to come on board with regard to Lough Allen and outline exactly what it intends to do because there has been far too much subterfuge and it has not worked effectively with the local community. I have already spoken to the Minister of State. He must meet with it and local communities to address this issue.