Ray Butler (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, would like to pay my condolences to all the families who lost loved ones in yesterday's storm.I congratulate the Taoiseach, the emergency services and all the Departments on getting the message out early.

It was a disgrace to see those going for a swim in Galway or kite surfing and I agree with Members that penalties should be imposed on such people. Those in the emergency services do not have a choice as to when they are called out, but those who were swimming and kite surfing did have a choice. What would have happened if there was an emergency down the country? The resources of our helicopter services and emergency services are limited. Shame on those people.

Three people lost their lives due to tree falls. In my county, all roads were blocked in Trim due to tree falls and Athboy, Oldcastle and certain areas of Navan had no power. This morning, I received a telephone call from a gentleman who worked throughout the country with Kelly's roadmarking company. He told me that the number of rotten trees and trees planted on roadsides is inappropriate. We are all aware of the vital role of trees and their benefit to our economy and environment, particularly visually, as part of our infrastructure. This is especially so in our cities. However, the benefits are only achieved with strategic planting and aftercare. I do not see a whole lot of aftercare when trees are planted in estates and at the sides of roads. They are just left there to grow into monstrosities. This can have a negative impact and lead to a variety of health and safety concerns. Inappropriate species of trees on roads and streets need to be urgently addressed by the Minister with responsibility for the environment and local government.