7. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made to date with respect to the Midleton flood relief scheme, and the introduction of flood protection measures in Rathcormac, Castlemartyr, Mogeely and Killeagh in east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70396/25]

Sentiment score: 0.28

I ask the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation what progress has been made to date with respect to the Midleton flood relief scheme and the introduction of flood protection measures in Rathcormac, Castlemartyr, Mogeely and Killeagh in east Cork, and if he will please make a statement on the matter.

Sentiment score: 0.89

I acknowledge the work the Minister of State has done so far and his visits to these areas already. I acknowledge that and thank him. On 18 October 2023, Storm Babet flooded roughly 600 homes and 300 businesses in east Cork, with damages estimated at almost €200 million. The storm on 9 December of this year showed again that people in east Cork feel genuine fear every time a severe weather warning is issued. These storms are not slowing down, yet the Midleton flood relief scheme is still not expected to reach planning until some point next year, as the Minister of State said. Completion is even further out. In the meantime, people's homes, livelihoods and local businesses remain at risk and the State is exposed to repeated multimillion euro damages and costs. Given the scale of impact on Midleton in particular, can the Minister of State commit to visiting the town and engaging directly with businesses and residents on this urgent matter? It would be a great relief and reassurance if he could visit again because of the fear they constantly have.

Sentiment score: 0.06

I again thank the Minister of State for his response and the reassurance that he will visit Midleton in 2026. I think that is very important for the people of Midleton and the whole of east Cork affected by this. While long-term schemes are being developed, the communities affected are looking for reassurance in the short term. These towns have already endured repeated flooding events and are facing another winter feeling unprotected. Could the Minister of State outline what interim measures are being put in place to support these communities until the Midleton flood relief scheme is delivered and whether additional resources can be made available to ensure local authorities are equipped to respond quickly to future storms? Rathcormac, Mogeely, Killeagh and Castlemartyr are disappointed they are not in tranche 1. Could they also be included? I thank the Minister of State for the money that was given to Rathcormac but what the people of Rathcormac want to see is work to be progressed there when money is available. I thank the Minister of State for the work he has done so far.

Sentiment score: 0.19