Hayes flood statement shows nothing’s changed

Junior Minister Brian Hayes said at the Cobh and Harbour Chamber flood-risk management conference (Irish Examiner, February 7) “that, at times, there can be frustration locally at the length of time it takes to implement these large-scale schemes. However, in order to arrive at the solution that is the most appropriate and cost-effective in a particular location, it is necessary to undertake detailed technical analysis”.

I can just imagine the feeding frenzy by the expensive consultants/planners employed, over and over again, by this government, and the preceding government. Mr Hayes said that “20 schemes will be progressed towards design and planning, with a view to their implementation over the next few years”. Watch this space!

This is just another open invitation to feed/maintain the golden circle that thrives in this country.

Tens of millions of euro will be wasted on consulting/planning fees. In ten years’ time, coastal areas around the country will continue to suffer flooding.

No lessons learned from money wasted on the National Children’s Hospital, Dublin Transport and Thornton Hall, to name but a few.

Donal O’Gorman

Meelick

Co Clare