It is Question No. 67 but it is grouped with Question No. 107. Both are in the name of Deputy Ward.

Sentiment score: -0.18

72. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department is considering natural flood management and other mitigations in relation to estimated rising sea levels and protecting property that is prone to this risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5073/25]

Sentiment score: 0.02

I wish the Minister and the Minister of State the best in their Ministries. The first time I met the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, it was in Dundalk in a previous iteration when I was a councillor dealing with the major flood protection issues facing County Louth and in particular Dundalk itself. I am asking a specific question on natural flood management and other mitigations to protect property in the face of the estimated rising sea levels. We know we need to look at everything that can possibly be done in this regard. What is the OPW's position on this particular solution?

Sentiment score: 0.35

The reason I submitted this question is probably related to the programme with Richard Boucher-Hayes, which I am sure many of us saw. It referred to the use of absolutely natural protections, which have been used in many places. It is expected, with rising sea and river levels, that we will have flooding. Sometimes we need to accept this, ensure we flood the places where there are few or no houses and ensure dissipation afterwards. It is just a case of ensuring we are considering natural methods. We know there are some really innovative non-natural methods, which we have seen in the Netherlands and other places, that have to be put in place. We need to see the full delivery of the CFRAM protections. I have a further question on that but I will deal with it later. It is just about making sure that we are considering everything from an innovation perspective and using everything, realising that even if we do our absolute best from here on in, we will see rising water levels.

Sentiment score: 0.38

The Minister of State does not need to respond to my next comment. I welcome what he has said. We just need to consider this in all senses. One would be doing something like what I propose only with agreement from a farmer or other relevant person. It would basically be to suit and protect the community overall. I believe I will get an opportunity to elaborate when dealing with the next question.

Sentiment score: 0.33

I am renowned for brief questioning.

Sentiment score: -0.10

80. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of the catchment and flood risk management plan under CFRAM for County Louth; the progress on its implementation to date; the funding that has been allocated to the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5072/25]

Sentiment score: 0.07

This relates to the CFRAM flood risk management plan for County Louth. It is about progress, implementation and ensuring what is proposed will happen. The Minister of State is well aware of the issues that relate to Dundalk and the rest of County Louth. It is a case of ensuring we deal with them as soon as possible. During storms in the part of Dundalk in which I live, we have an issue with getting rid of wastewater. These are all issues that will need to be addressed.

Sentiment score: 0.15

That is okay. I appreciate that. The question was just to get an update. We all know the importance of the issue and I have no doubt that the Minister of State does. It is a matter of ensuring we are not facing and dealing with floods. We will move on.

Sentiment score: 0.10

Anois, an Teachta Nash agus Ceist Uimh. 75. I thank you for your patience.

Sentiment score: 0.12

Ceist Uimh. 83 is in the name of Deputy Nash. We will only get a bit of it done.

Sentiment score: 0.00