Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I rise to ask the Leader about two issues. I recently met with members of the Collins committee in Clonakilty which is apolitical. They are doing a lot of research on history, and their wish and hope is that somewhere in the capital, which is very important in the context of the treaty etc., in the time that is in it, a life-sized statue of Michael Collins would be erected. It is not a big request. As I said to a former Lord Mayor, ideally it should be in the precincts of Leinster House, which is the political armpit and the basis of our Parliament, but if that is not possible, perhaps Merrion Square or somewhere adjacent to this historic building would be considered.

My second issue is, perhaps, something which I should put down by way of notice of motion. I heard this morning that my home town of Bantry has again been flooded. Last year it was flooded three times. Many of the businesses, because of the annual or biannual flooding, will not get insurance for the property because insurance companies say they will not do it again. The cost to the Bantry Business Association and many traders is severe.

There is a simple reason for this situation. I served in the Bantry Town Commissioners before it was abolished, for whatever reason. The proper flood relief programme was never put in place. If you marry a lot of heavy rain that flows through the rivers and what we call a spring tide or a very high tide, it is inevitable there will be flooding because the water cannot get out, and seawater is clashing with freshwater. This will continue unless serious action is taken by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. This is going on for some time. I have raised this issue since 1989, in this House, of which I have been a Member most of the time, and in the other House. It is unfortunate it is falling on deaf ears. I and the people from that area whom I represent are very frustrated. Perhaps the Leader would raise this issue to see whether a response is forthcoming. If it is not, I will be knocking on the door of the Cathaoirleach to table a Commencement matter early in the new year.