25 FEBRUARY 2020

ICSA rural development chair Tim Farrell has called on Minister of state Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to explain what he has delivered in terms of flood defences and explain why vast swathes of the country are currently under water. “We need answers as to why he and his Department for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief have failed to deliver on their remit.”

“Many of those who are flooded have been in this position before and have heard it time and time again that something will be done. They don’t need more promises, they need action and the actions taken must make a real difference. Neither can we allow serial environmental objectors to stand in the way of urgent remedial works, particularly along the river Shannon.”

“In the short term we need emergency funding for those affected. It is clear many farm families will struggle to get back on their feet and local communities will again be tasked with showing resilience in the face of government inaction.”

ENDS