Shannon flooding coordination
Deputy Eugene Murphy raised severe flooding and disruption along the Shannon and asked for action on agency interference with drainage works. The Minister said a non-statutory co-ordination body was in place and promised ministerial follow-up, stressing the need for a more integrated response.
Last Tuesday night's "Prime Time" programme clearly showed the amount of devastation and disruption caused to people along the Shannon-----
Comment on this
Yes. The devastation and disruption to which I refer are at an unacceptable level. I acknowledge that, under the programme for Government, €430 million has been committed to a five-year programme to improve the situation that has arisen as a result of flooding. There is a massive problem with the agencies in the region. When will the Government acknowledge that the interference of agencies with local authorities and others by not allowing drainage works to be carried out is causing clear disruption to families, communities and businesses? Can we get commitment on that from the Minister?
Comment on this
This is an issue on which the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, is doing an enormous amount. I will ensure that he corresponds with the Deputy on the matter. My understanding is that a non-statutory Shannon co-ordination body, the job of which is to bring together all the agencies to deal with the issues of non-co-ordination to which Deputy Eugene Murphy referred, is now in place. We need a more integrated response to ensure that the more than €400 million allocated - which the Deputy has acknowledged - is spent in a way that benefits people and minimises the risk of flooding.