Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am glad to know he is au faitwith the situation in Bantry.The difference is that Bantry, because it is a tidal town, has the double problem of extreme rainfall combined with the tide issue.

The Minister of State might indicate some sort of timeline, if possible. Will we be waiting for five years or another period? It is an ongoing issue. When I was a Deputy from 2000 to 2007, we believed that we were approaching circumstances in which this matter would be dealt with but - I am not being political - it seems to have been forgotten over the past decade. Recent flooding has focused minds on the issue again. The Minister of State might give some indication of the timeline. I appreciate the efforts he is making. I thank Cork County Council and its staff. There is a lot of goodwill to resolve this issue, and that goodwill and the impetus should be maintained. If we lie back on the oars again, we could face terrible damage.