Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the House for the invitation to give an update on flooding and flood protection. I have issued a statement which is being circulated to the Members of the House to give them an idea of where we are in terms of my Department. At the outset, however, I offer my condolences to the families of Fintan Goss, Michael Pyke and Clare O'Neill, who were lost in the events over the past few days. One life is too many and three are far too many. It was a sad day for Ireland. I offer my sympathy and support to the families.

The past few days have been challenging but we also saw the good work of the flood committee, the co-ordination group and my Department. Notwithstanding the high tides, the surge in water and the flooding events that were threatened upon us, the schemes we have already put in place held up to the mark and did a tremendous job. That is not to say that we did not have some minor flooding in coastal areas, as well as areas of Galway, which were particularly affected. Three houses, in particular, were affected and the rest related to coastal areas. There was also a caravan park. We are always working to minimise this. However, most of the schemes we have in place worked.

Late on Tuesday night, we watched events unfolding in Limerick and Cork where water came very close to the top of the walls. That was a frightening experience for those living in and doing business in those areas.I am here today to discuss flooding. I am sure each Member will have questions to ask me that are relevant to their areas and while I will do my best to answer all questions, if there are questions I am unable to answer today I will get back to Senators on them.