Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will share it with Deputy Michael Collins.

Rivers are blocked up all over the country. Farmers are terrified of clearing rivers and removing gravel or trees. The Government must give assistance because in many instances the OPW is involved in many of the rivers and it is its duty to clear them out. The local authorities say they are not involved but they must get funding from the Government because if a river floods and brings down trees and debris and then damages bridges crossing the public road the Government will have to replace the bridges. I ask the Government, the local authorities and the OPW to work together to ensure rivers are cleaned out. Many houses and roads would be made safer as a result.

Foiladaun and Clonkeen in the Glenflesk area are flooded. The N22, the national primary route from Cork to Killarney, is flooded. I call on the Government, and have already called on the Department of Finance, to fund the clearing of the Flesk river. Such matters must be dealt with urgently.

We must not allow beef into the European market. If that is to happen the European market will not retain its credibility. Beef cannot be allowed in from foreign countries. All farmers are losing money at present. A few years ago one farmer won the lotto.

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