The floods - Finite possibilities

Recent days and weeks have been more than challenging for those affected by the floods — and, as the weather forecasters have warned, that challenge is far from over.

Emergency services and communications and power companies have been under enormous pressure to keep homes and businesses connected to the grid.

There has been a recognition of the finite capacity of the State to resolve the problems faced by so many. OPW Minister Brian Hayes brought a refreshing degree of honesty to the proceedings when he said it was impossible to protect every building and landholding from the ravages of floods.

That position may provoke anger in some threatened quarters but it is a reality we may have to accept if proper protection mechanisms are to be put in place where they can do the most good.