Flood relocation scheme delays
Deputy Eugene Murphy criticised the failure to relocate homes under the flooding relocation scheme despite funding being allocated years earlier. The Tánaiste said the responsible Minister of State would update the House soon and promised the Government would follow through on commitments.
Page 129 of the programme for Government states: "We will introduce a voluntary property relocation scheme for properties, including businesses, affected by repeat flooding, based on a similar 2009 scheme." In December 2015 and January 2016 the sum of €2 million was allocated to the scheme. A total of 101 houses fit the criteria. To date, my understanding is that not one house has been relocated. That is absolutely scandalous. The Taoiseach can put €6 million into a communications unit but nothing is being done for the poor people for whom I make a case week in, week out in this Chamber. When are we going to look after those people who are affected by repeat flooding? They have been neglected year after year and it is about time the scheme was brought to a conclusion so that they can get some peace in their lives.
Comment on this
I remember being involved when the decision on a relocation scheme was made. We have an incredibly hands-on Minister with responsibility for flooding, namely, the Minister of State, Deputy Moran. My understanding is that he will make a statement on the issue in the coming weeks but I will ask him to get back to the Deputy directly in terms of where the scheme is at. I assure him that this is not something from which the Government will resile. We will follow through on any commitments that have been made to people on relocation due to flooding.