Combined efforts of all state agencies needed to tackle flooding – Corcoran Kennedy

Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has said that the Taoiseach’s initiative to bring all state agencies together to address the issue of flooding will tackle the problems in the most comprehensive way.

“By bringing all agencies together the Taoiseach is taking a wide ranging look at all of the issues and I am hopeful that he, and all those involved, will consider the recommendations of the Oireachtas Environment Committee published in 2012.

“The Environment Committee recommended that one agency should be appointed to oversee the management of the River Shannon, its tributaries and the waters feeding into it. I still believe this would make a big difference in tackling the effects of flooding which will become ever more frequent due to the effects of climate change.

“Other recommendations included preventing and alleviating the build-up of silt and utilising boglands.

“This Government has announced investment of €340 million in flood defences, more than has been invested in the previous 20 years. Funding is also provided through the Department of Social Protection for flood damaged households and a new scheme has been established providing up to €20,000 for uninsured business premises which have been flood damaged.
“In addition an interdepartmental group has been charged with investigating the problem for individuals unable to get insurance owing to flooding.
“While all of these measures still have not prevented many people from suffering severely from the effects of flooding, action is being taken to help in every way possible. The reality of global warming is on our doorstep, causing more rain, storms and unpredictable weather. It is the people of Offaly, North Tipperary and Laois, as well all the other affected areas, who know too well the misery of it.
“The combined effort of all state agencies is the best way to tackle the issue of flooding and I believe that the recommendations of the Environment Committee should form a part of these important discussions.”