On behalf of the Labour Party, I want to express my solidarity with the communities across Cork, notably east Cork, and west Waterford, today living with the utter destruction of yesterday's flooding from Storm Babet. I want to echo the sentiments of my colleagues, Deputy Sherlock and Councillors John Maher and Cathal Rasmussen, in paying tribute to all those who took such efforts to help people in the wake of those awful floods, including the statutory agencies, first responders and volunteers. This was no normal flood. It had a catastrophic effect on local homes and businesses. We are seeing shocking videos out of Castlemartyr, Midleton, Blackpool and Glanmire, just to name a few of the places affected. We know the Taoiseach is visiting today but communities need strong assurances. It is not good enough to blame otters and objectors for delays in the building of essential flood repair infrastructure. Communities affected need an assurance, not only of adequate help and support in rebuilding after yesterday but also that the Government will be offering significant supports to protect against the future floods likely because of climate change.

We are providing the funding for flood relief schemes. When the Deputy says it is not good enough, that is the reality of delay. People object, not just in the planning process but in the courts. Deputy Mick Barry was a classic example of it there. He came in advocating for flood relief protection schemes, he himself having supported alternatives and having gone against the OPW schemes as he still is. I have no problem with a barrier on the Lee. We need a flood relief scheme in Cork city, given its history. It is built on a marsh. It needs it. I am not against people making submissions and so on, but there is an urgency for householders and businesses - I remember being in Bandon seven or eight years ago as leader of the Opposition, twice going through flooded businesses. They said to me that if it happened a third time they were out of there. It is existential for some individuals and we just need balance and perspective in getting these things through.