“The government’s failure to support a solution-driven and creative Dáil motion, aimed at finally addressing Ireland’s flooding crisis, betrays victims in rural communities across Ireland,” according to the Rural Independent Group.

Reacting to the government’s “humdrum response and indifference for the concerns of homeowners, farmers and small businesses impacted by flooding” apparently shown last night (Wednesday, November 4), the leader of the group, TD Mattie Mc Grath, stated:

“Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party government hoodwinked communities impacted by serious flooding by voting against our proposals and, alternatively, pushed the entire issue into yet another report; this is a classic case of kicking the proverbial can down the road exercise.

We are absolutely furious at this level of blatant inaction. Local communities across Ireland which have experienced flooding problems have heard promises – time after time – from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael politicians.

“Our motion gave those TDs the opportunity to turn those promises into concrete and viable solutions. Incredibly, those TDs shrivelled and voted against their own communities.”

Deputy McGrath feels this is “inexcusable” and illustrates that “staying in power is more important than solving Ireland’s flooding crisis”.

“The decision by the government to vote against a motion aimed at tackling the crippling flooding problems impacting many towns and communities country-wide emphasises where their priorities rest.”

The Rural Independent Group’s motion

In McGrath’s own words, the group’s motion was a “multi-faceted, solution-driven approach” that would result in “immediate solutions”.

According to the deputy, the motion, the Impact of the River Management, Drainage and Flood Prevention Policies in Rural Ireland, would include: practical measures around drainage; river dredging; tree cutting; allowing farmers scope to execute flood prevention measures on their lands; and increasing Office of Public Works ‘on the ground’ staffing complement.

“Furthermore, it provided increased funding, fast-tracked flood relief projects, drew down emergency EU funding and tackled the lack of transparency and price-fixing practices of insurance companies in the provision of home and business insurance,” the deputy added.

“It is no wonder that many communities distrust the government to deliver solutions for our flooding crisis; the government’s inadequate support has led to nothing but disappointment to those communities and families afflicted.”