River Deel flood relief
Deputy Conway-Walsh presses for long-delayed flood relief for Crossmolina and asks when the River Deel scheme will be confirmed. After condolences for Dr. Mickey Loftus, the Tánaiste says he will follow the issue up with the Minister.
People in Crossmolina in County Mayo are still waiting for the River Deel flood relief scheme. It needs to happen now.
Comment on this
The River Deel. The people there have had surveying and ground-testing into oblivion. This has been going on for months and years and the people in the town are still living in fear. No developments can take place there until this scheme happens. The people there have been told the money is ring-fenced. When will the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, confirm the scheme so that the work can start?
I cannot talk about Crossmolina without acknowledging the sad passing of Dr. Mickey Loftus. I extend my sympathies to Edie, Michael, Orla, Patrick and Joe. His membership of the 1951 Mayo team is well documented, as is his legacy as the president of the GAA in 1985. His legacy of courage, kindness and leadership, as well as love of his family, his community and his county, must be acknowledged, as must his understanding of and stance on the impact of the abuse of alcohol on families. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Comment on this
I knew Dr. Mick Loftus and his family very well. He was a fearless campaigner on alcohol when it was not fashionable. He stood up to the lobbies and advocates for the alcohol industry in a fearless way as a medical person. He was also an outstanding president of the GAA and a great footballer, as well as being a referee of some note. He refereed some important Cork matches down through the years. That included minor matches, and there is a great old story connected to my family, which I will not go into on the floor of the House.
Comment on this
Dr. Mick Loftus was a legendary, iconic figure reflecting the best of the spirit of the west and of Mayo.
On the River Deel, I will follow this issue up. From the Deputy's presentation, I am not clear as to whether it is a planning issue that is the problem, if the money is ring-fenced, but I will talk to the Minister.