Noel O'Donovan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we look out the windows of the Chamber this afternoon we will see, dare I say it, signs of spring or a good summer ahead. Unfortunately, the issue I will raise is the flooding events in west Cork during the past weekend. It was yet another flooding event for many of the rural communities I represent, including Rossmore, Ardcahan, which is near Dunmanway, and Halfway. Ballinascarty, which is close to Clonakilty, was probably the worst-hit area. We saw both residential and commercial properties flooded yet again. In addition to many private properties suffering damage, public infrastructure and roads were damaged, predominantly due to rivers bursting their banks. I commend my local councillor, Councillor John Michael Foley, on raising the matter at Cork County Council yesterday. I have invited Kevin Boxer Moran to visit west Cork to see the damage for himself.

We have a crisis in our rivers and streams in this country. To put it simply, they are full and choked up with gravel, silt and a build-up of debris from years of no proper maintenance. There is no doubt that we have a climate change issue in this country and globally. We see change in the increased levels of rainfall, but we have also seen change in recent years in that we no longer maintain and clear our rivers as we used to. I love nature. I love west Cork and our unique and special landscape. We have a biodiversity crisis.I am on the side of protecting our streams and rivers, but not at the cost of our people or property. We need to find balance.

I might sound alarmist, but Cork County Council had to visit Ballinascarty and Dunmanway last weekend to assist people who were caught up in the flooding. We need to find solutions. Landowners are afraid to clear and maintain rivers because of their fear that Inland Fisheries Ireland and local authorities will get involved. We need to bring about a commonsense solution. We, as a State, need to step in. We need to bring Inland Fisheries Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of the environment to the table to find a solution. That is why I am asking the Leader, similar to what was asked by Senator Boyle, to invite the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to attend the Chamber for an informed debate about the proper maintenance of our rivers to ensure a commonsense plan. As one local in Ballinascarty put it, we want to keep the river in the river.