Lough Funshinagh flooding
Deputy Murphy says continuing flooding at Lough Funshinagh is damaging homes and farmland and affecting dozens of families. The Minister of State says a report has been commissioned and he has not yet seen it, so he wants to review it before responding further.
I acknowledge that the programme for Government put significant money aside to deal with flooding events, which are occurring more and more because of climate change. One of the areas that came to prominence in recent years because of flooding was Lough Funshinagh in Roscommon, which is continuously overflowing. I am glad the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, is in the House.
An independent inquiry was established last July. We are now told nothing can be done in regard to this flooding, which is affecting 40 to 50 families, has destroyed fodder and land and has been a threat to householders and flooded roads. I find it incredible that the Government and its agencies cannot find a solution to a flooding problem and cannot build a drain from the lake to the River Shannon. This could be done years ago. I am sure that, at this stage, the Minister of State has read the report. Has he any news? Is there any way we can crack this nut and do something for those families? It is not acceptable.
Comment on this
I have visited the area with the Deputy and Deputy Denis Naughten, and I met the people there. I then issued money to allow a report to be carried out and that has been carried out. The elected members have seen it but I have not seen it and am still waiting for it.
Comment on this
Has the Minister of State not seen it?
Comment on this
I have not seen the report. In fairness to the local authority, it carried this out and got the consultants on board. We have to look at it and evaluate it. Many Members made promises regarding Lough Funshinagh. I went down and I delivered the money for the report. Let me at least look at the report and make a statement on it afterwards.