'Minister for OPW will tour South Tipp flood sites today,' McGrath

 

Independent TD Mattie McGrath is set to welcome Minister of State at the Office of Public Works (OPW) Sean Canney to Tipperary later today. Minister Canney who is visiting the county at the request of Deputy McGrath will tour Kilsheelan, Cahir and the surrounding areas that have been affected by this year’s severe flooding:

“I am delighted that Minister Canney took up my offer to visit the area and to see for himself the urgent works that need to be resourced as part of the development of flood prevention measures.

I will also be asking the Minister to provide an update on what efforts have been made to address the issue of flood victims who were not covered under the remit of the existing Humanitarian Assistance Scheme and the Scheme for businesses operated by the Red Cross on behalf of the Department of Social Protection.

I am glad to hear however that the OPW will be working with closely with Minister Denis Naughten’s Department of Communications to establish a groundwater/turlough flood monitoring programme.

This programme, run by Geological Survey Ireland, is set to monitor current water levels with a view to increasing engagement with local authorities as they prepare their submission to the OPW for flood relief funding.

I am confident that Minister Canney will not only receive a warm welcome but that he will address in a serious way the challenges and issues that we will be bringing to his attention today,” concluded Deputy McGrath.