Thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, for the opportunity of raising the matter of the recent flooding on the north side of Dublin and of flood preventive measures. The recent floods affected a number of areas of my constituency, particularly Richmond Road, Gracepark Road and Clonturk Park. The people in these areas were devastated by the floods and the massive damage to their homes and premises.
I raise this issue first to express my support and solidarity for the people of Clonturk Park, Richmond Road and Gracepark Road. I visited these areas a number of times during and after the floods and I am now calling on the Minister urgently to intervene to assist these residents and to ensure – and I mean ensure – that this never happens again. I demand, on behalf of the people of these areas, that the following matters be addressed: the need for Government to declare the localities affected a disaster area and to give them top priority; the need for immediate relief for families affected and compensation, accommodation and security for their unoccupied homes; the need to put in place real and credible flood defences immediately; the issue of insurance claims and Deputy Parlon's commitment that insurance companies re-insure these homes.
There must be a complete review of the drainage of the River Tolka regarding, for example, planning and development and infrastructural projects. The MCOS consulting engineers have done a study of the River Tolka. We must have access to the interim report of these consultants. We must also prioritise the completion of the full report. Many of my constituents are asking why we must wait until May 2003 for this report. We need a guarantee that all necessary funding to complete the work will be provided as a priority.
These people must be supported and I urge the Minister of State and the Government to listen to their reasonable and genuine demands. I am not interested in more reports and more studies on the flooding or dredging of the River Tolka or on the cleaning of gulleys. We need urgent action. I accept this is not the sole responsibility of the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, although he has a major role to play. Dublin City Council must also move on the issue. I have begun this work in City Hall and we have come up with some reasonably good responses to the problem of flooding in the area. It is environmental vandalism to do nothing about this flooding.
There is also a major health and safety issue involved. This flood has led to the increased emergence of rats in the area. Pest control companies tell us there are nine million rats in the city of Dublin. Over five million are in the northside and many were seen during the recent floods. There is a report that one particular gentleman suffered from Weil's disease as a result of the floods. I would like clarification of this case. There should be a serious investigation by the health authorities into this issue. If we invest and top-up on flood preventative measures we can save lives, homes and finances in the future. It would be good effective planning and money well spent.
Many of us have concerns that this issue is not receiving the priority status it deserves. I call on the Minister of State to respond urgently to the needs of the residents of Clonturk Park, Gracepark Road, Richmond Road and other affected areas along the Tolka. My colleague, Deputy Gregory, with whom I work closely on this issue, is looking after the areas in Dublin Central. I have also had reports and queries on the walls along the Tolka, the dredging and the potential again for the flood waters breaking the banks.
These concerns must be investigated and we must ensure that the work being carried out is of top quality. This cannot be allowed to happen again. I urge the Minister of State to keep his eye on the ball at all times on this issue. People's homes are at stake. Homes have been destroyed and people cannot be allowed to go through this again. They are tired, angry and upset and have a right to our support. People must be compensated properly and the insurance companies will have to be told of their responsibility to their clients and the community. I will not stand idly by while the people of this area are being pushed around or exploited by these companies. This is why I raise the urgent issue of flooding along the Tolka in the Dáil today.
People do not want to see a Taoiseach photographed up to his knees in water. They want to see workmen on the banks of the Tolka doing the work and getting on with the job. I urge the Minister of State to ensure these residents are looked after adequately and to bring in top quality flood preventative measures to ensure this never happens again. We have had enough talk and enough reports, now I want action.
