Sorry, a Chathaoirligh. A statement was made there-----

Sentiment score: -0.04

No.

Sentiment score: -0.30

Grandstanding for social media when there is a scheme for cleaning rivers. How dare you.

Sentiment score: 0.00

That is unfair. You know I announced the scheme. Making a statement just for social media is wrong.

Sentiment score: -0.32

It is sending out the wrong message to the public.

Sentiment score: -0.48

I am grateful for the opportunity to come before the House today. Members have already heard about the important work being undertaken across government to address the issues raised in this debate. I welcome the opportunity to engage further with Members, particularly on the role of the Office of Public Works in managing flood risk in Ireland. First, I want to recognise the hardship and trauma caused by recent flooding. I have visited many of the affected areas and I understand the distress caused, not only by the flooding itself but also by the ongoing fear of further flooding. The Government is fully committed to taking measures to alleviate these difficulties and reduce the risk of flooding in the future. I thank all those involved in the preparation for, and response to, the flooding events. This includes volunteers, particularly organisations such as Civil Defence, who have done Trojan work and deserve the Government’s sincere thanks. As Deputies will be aware, the response to major emergencies is carried out by the principal response agencies, namely, local authorities, An Garda Síochána and the HSE. Local authorities act as the lead agency for flood events within their administrative areas. At national level, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, through the national directorate for fire and emergency management, is designated as the lead Government Department for co-ordinating the response to weather emergencies, including flooding. In the lead-up to, and during, the flooding events, the Department convened meetings of the national emergency co-ordination group to co-ordinate actions across Government Departments and agencies. I have listened carefully to the valuable contributions made during today’s debate, and I thank Members for their comments. I will now address some of the issues raised and outline the role of the Office of Public Works in managing flood risk. Managing flood risk is a shared responsibility across government. Flood policy is built on three key pillars, underpinned by research and evidence. Prevention involves avoiding or removing flood risk, for example, by avoiding construction on flood plains. Protection means reducing the likelihood or severity of flooding, typically through physical works such as flood relief schemes. Preparedness means reducing the consequences of flooding through public information, planning and emergency response. The OPW plays a key role in co-ordinating measures to meet the Government's national flood risk policy, particularly in relation to flooding from rivers and the sea. The Government has committed €1.3 billion under the national development plan for flood relief schemes. This investment aims to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities at significant risk. Since 2018, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities, to treble its flood relief work. There are now approximately 100 schemes at design, planning or construction stage. There are currently ten flood relief schemes under construction nationwide. These are at Athlone, my hometown; Crossmolina; Glashaboy; King's Island; Morell River; Morrison's Island; Poddle River; River Wad; Templemore and Whitechurch. Once completed, these schemes will protect a further 2,880 properties and deliver an estimated €361 million in avoided damages and losses. Five of these schemes are at an advanced stage, with at least three expected to reach substantial completion in 2026. At the same time, other tranche 1 schemes are being actively progressed through design, planning and construction. Recent flooding, including during and since Storm Chandra, arose from multiple sources, including rivers and the sea. For communities awaiting major flood relief schemes, I have asked local authorities to identify all possible interim measures to reduce flood risk. I expect to receive these plans in the coming weeks and will update my Government colleagues accordingly. Flood forecasting and warning are critical to preparedness. Stage 1 of the national flood forecasting and warning service was completed in December 2023. A flood forecasting centre is now established in Met Éireann, providing flood forecasts, hydrological data and daily flood guidance to local authorities and State agencies. Stage 2 is now under way and will focus on providing flood warnings directly to communities and improving the detail and accuracy of forecasts. Oversight of this work now sits with the Government task force on emergency planning, chaired by the Department of Defence. Our climate is changing. We are seeing more frequent storms and extreme weather events. In response, my office has published the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management 2025-2030. All flood relief schemes now require scheme adaptation plans to ensure they account for climate change impacts and can be adapted to future flood risk. Nature-based solutions are also being assessed as part of scheme development and through other delivery mechanisms. The OPW is working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to develop further guidance to ensure planning decisions properly consider flood risk and avoid exposing new developments to future flooding due to climate change. I thank Deputies for their engagement. I also want to say that a great number of Deputies have great ideas and have said a lot in this debate. Local authorities deliver schemes. I support them financially, so Members should not stand up in this House and try to blame the Government. Local authorities lead and we support. We have never been found wanting with any local authority. The issues are complex. I ask Deputies if they have ever gone out and looked at the development of a scheme and how long it takes. What is involved is enormous. We have the money now to hand and are working with these local authorities. I have introduced interim measures over the past number of months. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue said there was nothing for channel cleaning or blockages but I announced that funding last October. Local authorities can apply for it to make that work happen. I sincerely thank all the Deputies. People around Ireland have had an awful time over the last number of weeks. I have met some of them and I know what they are experiencing. It is my job, as Minister of State, to lead a whole-of-government approach and help those people in the future.

Sentiment score: 0.08

I will not move on from it.

Sentiment score: 0.00