5. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on a permanent solution for flooding in Lough Funshinagh in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38435/25]

Sentiment score: 0.11

This question relates to the permanent solution to the flooding that has affected Lough Funshinagh in County Roscommon for years. As the Minister of State is aware - he was there to make sure it happened - there is a temporary solution in place.

Sentiment score: 0.37

I acknowledge the Minister of State's role and that of his predecessor in getting us to the point where the pumps started in March and the very positive impact that has had. As the Minister of State will know, residents living in and around Lough Funshinagh suffered incredibly as a result of the flooding in 2015, 2016 and more recently. They have been surrounded by water for years now. Some families have had to abandon their homes. Those who have remained in the area around Lough Funshinagh deserve incredible credit for what they have done. As a community, they are extremely resilient. They have battled to get to this point where the interim solution has been in put place. However, they want and need to see progress with regard to the permanent solution. That needs to be the priority now. We need to see both running in parallel. I appreciate that the Minister of State did not have the chance to provide it already, but I would like an update on the permanent solution for the residents and the community at Lough Funshinagh.

Sentiment score: 0.14

I, too, acknowledge the work. It is good to hear that we are on target for planning towards the end of the year. This will be absolutely essential. I am conscious of that as we come into the autumn and winter months. We all know about the winters the families and community around Lough Funshinagh have faced, particularly last winter. It was devastating. There will be a lot of work to be done after the permanent solution is put in place and sorted in terms of people's homes and the damage that has been done. Farmers with lands around the lake have suffered incredibly as well. This has been a real loss and has had a real impact on people, their livelihoods and their families. People have passed away in the meantime. I am thinking of one gentleman who never got the chance to live to see the current solution being put in place. Therefore, we need to ensure that the supports for the families who live in the area are there, whether it is in respect of damage, farmers, land or whatever. We need to see those financial supports for people who have lost a great deal. I am thinking in particular of those who lost their homes as a result of flooding.

Sentiment score: 0.02