This Government treats flood prevention schemes like something that is topical or seasonal. Every year when there is flooding, as there always is, the Government parties make statements on how they are doing everything they can and make positive statements about how they are definitely tackling the flooding problem this time but, unfortunately, it does not accelerate works, it does not cut down on the bureaucracy and it does not cut down on the timelines for delivery. Its members will be making the same speeches they will make next year, or later on this year when there is more flooding around the State, and while they are doing this, the local representatives are left to warn their constituents to avoid certain areas due to more flooding. While those speeches are being made, the residents of towns and villages that have suffered flood damage multiple times will be wondering what they have to do to see some action and results. These are the residents who cannot get their homes, businesses or possessions insured anymore and they are the ones left to shoulder the costs year on year. There are 94 flood relief schemes described as ongoing, 68 schemes have not even reached the planning stage and 54 are not even under active consideration. The five-stage process for a flood prevention scheme just takes far too long. In some areas, it is taking decades but in most places it is taking 12 to 15 years. An immediate change could be made to the stage two planning process or public exhibition confirmation, which can take up to two years. Local authority staff are well able to plan a flood defence in an area where they have been implementing emergency measures year on year. This is obviously not a matter of money as the Government has a budget surplus. The fact is that it has under-resourced local authorities, there are not adequate staff in An Coimisiún Pleanála and it has allowed construction on floodplains. The Government has allowed the OPW to become unaccountable. It needs to maintain the local rivers and the OPW must put dredging plans in place where needed. This is the story the length and breadth of the country as we have been hearing this morning. The fact is, as is the lived reality for people in my home area, that Mornington, Baltray and Termonfeckin will flood again. Until flood schemes and mitigation works are completed, this is the sad reality they must live with. We need to act now. Let us not be obliged to have this conversation again this time next year.

Sentiment score: -0.02