Will the Minister provide an update on flood protection measures currently being undertaken at Rathcormac, Mogeely, Killeagh, Castlemartyr and Midleton in east Cork?

Sentiment score: 0.00

I thank the Minister of State. At this time of year, we tend to see less rain, however, this does not stop those in Cork East whose property was damaged by flood water from worrying. I acknowledge considerable flood prevention works have been undertaken across Cork East but concerns will always remain until full flood protection measures are introduced. Lack of insurance cover further increases these fears. I thank the Minister of State for visiting Midleton in April and for his commitment to calling to other areas, such as Rathcormack, Killeagh, Mogeely and Castlemartyr, when his diary allows. When might the Minister of State be in a position to meet the residents of these villages to discuss their concerns in person? I asked this question in February and the Minister of State gave a commitment he would call to Rathcormack but I note he is awaiting funding and I appreciate this. If we could have a date for that visit, I would really appreciate that.

Sentiment score: 0.12

I must also acknowledge that. I thank the Minister of the State and the Minister, Deputy Chambers, for their support. With reference to Rathcormack, Mogeely, Killeagh and Castlemartyr, they have been in tranche II the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme for a long period. I welcome the Minister of State's response in that regard. For these villages, flooding is a regular occurrence and residents are afraid tranche II of the CFRAM is not progressing fast enough, which the Minister of State said himself. However, I acknowledge that currently much work is going on the ground to ease their concerns. Residents in some areas, such as Mogeely, are particularly at risk given their houses are timber-framed and cannot withstand further flooding. With this in mind, I appeal to the Minister of State for tranche II to be prioritised and for these villages be moved up to alleviate the fears of people living in these areas at risk of flooding. I sincerely thank the Minister of State for his positive response and I look forward to his visit in the next two to three weeks. It will be good news for the villages concerned.

Sentiment score: 0.15