Orange warnings in place as Dáil descends into shouting match over flood defences
A file photo of flooding on the promenade in Ardmore, Co Waterford. Met Éireann has issued orange rain warnings for Dublin, Wicklow, Waterford, and Louth, with yellow warnings for a further nine counties. File picture: Dan Linehan
The Government and opposition have clashed over the lack of progress made on Ireland's flood defences as weather warnings continue.
During Leaders' Questions, Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty said families were "once again clearing out the debris and water, knowing this destruction was predictable and preventable".
Mr Doherty pointed to Simon Harris' role as minister of state with responsibility for flood defences a decade ago.
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He said many of the flood relief schemes "identified, prioritised or advanced" during that period "remain incomplete". Mr Doherty said:
The Tánaiste responded by saying "a lot of progress has been made in relation to flood relief".
He said the Office of Public Works "has already completed some 56 flood relief schemes, protecting some 13,000 properties and avoiding estimated damage of around €2bn".
Mr Doherty said the figure of 56 relates to flood relief projects completed since 1997. He said only 17 had been completed since Mr Harris became a member of the government 10 years ago.
Some 148 schemes in areas prone to flooding identified by a specialist report have not yet been completed, the Sinn Féin TD added.
Mr Harris said "there is an increased focus on allowing local authorities to fast-track more works that can be done in the here and now".
He added that about 900 such projects have already been delivered.
He also said flood relief schemes are "being classified as critical infrastructure" and "the Government intends to bring forward a critical infrastructure Bill".
Mr Doherty said in 2018, a national flood assessment had been carried out, which outlined where the flood risks were present.
“Nearly every county has flood relief issues, and communities have been lobbying for action ever since. Yet the figures are stark."
In response, Mr Harris said the Government was working on short-term solutions to fix flooding, including minor works such as aqua dams, pumps, and embankments.
He said the Government should carry out these works alongside the larger-scale flood relief schemes.
Mr Harris said he was conscious that weather warnings are currently in place across the country, urging people to avoid driving in impacted areas.
Mr Doherty called on the Tánaiste to “park” the weather forecasting, saying RTÉ already do a “fine job” and said the Government should focus on its flood defence responsibilities.
In response, Mr Harris accused Mr Doherty of being “glib” with his remarks, saying the Government had been asked to amplify messaging from the Road Safety Authority.
The debate descended into a shouting match, with Leas-Cheann Comhairle John McGuinness chastising the two TDs for repeated clashes in the Dáil, saying both were responsible for the commotion in the chamber. Mr McGuinness said:
"It’s between the both of you.”
“I want to appeal to the members around the house to please, please observe a bit of decorum and a bit of respect.
“Make your point, by all means, and be as robust as you wish. Recognise the time that you’ve been given and recognise the people out there are listening and suffering because of the floods.”
Tadgh McNally, Political Reporter
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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