Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for being in the House for this very important legislation. I acknowledge Senators Rabbitte and Daly for their great work in bringing this Bill to the floor of the Seanad. It is a very common-sense and practical Bill for all the reasons outlined. I am a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy. We all know too well that, because of climate change, the increased intensity of rainfall and the predicted increase in such intensity will have pronounced impacts on communities right across the country in respect of flooding and flood risks. Flooding causes such devastation to people’s homes, lives, families and communities. It also takes such a toll on people mentally if they suffer from flooding. There is also the anxiety and fear that arise from the possibility of flooding. It always lives with people. This is something that is a reality and will increasingly be a reality.

I welcome this proposed instrument to give better flexibility to make sure there is better management for communities. It proposes to bring the situation into line with the current reality as opposed to the situation in 1925 when I believe the previous legislation was enacted. I compliment my colleagues here in the Seanad on their legislation. I support the Bill and hope to see it passed.