No 'magic wand' to deliver flood relief says Taoiseach as he visits County Kilkenny

The Government cannot "wave a magic wand and just deliver" flood relief schemes, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said, as he visited affected homes and businesses in Graignamanagh and other areas impacted by flooding in the south-east

Mr Martin alongside Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran visited the County Kilkenny town to asses the damage with a number of local TDs and councillors calling for the swift introduction of flood relief schemes.

The Taoiseach claimed the government is "determined to do a number of short-term measures first" to alleviate the impact of flood damage.

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During his trip around the region, Mr Martin told reporters it was "a soul-destroying experience to have your house flooded or your business flooded."

"Our objective is first of all to provide humanitarian support to the families and also supports to the businesses that have been impacted," he said.

"Secondly, the Office of Public Works (OPW) will work with the local authority in respect of interim measures to try and protect these houses and this location more generally and there are interim measures that can be taken to provide that protection and that reassurance, and that we will do.

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"Obviously, then, thirdly, the substantial, comprehensive scheme itself will be submitted for planning and it is complex, all of these schemes are, but nonetheless, we want to get that started," he added.

Amongst those present on Monday afternoon was Leas Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow–Kilkenny, John McGuinness who used the visit as an opportunity to renew his plea for government action to be taken.

Speaking to Kilkenny Live last week, Deputy McGuinness stressed that the delivery of a comprehensive flood relief scheme is essential to protect the town from future events.

"The impact on homes, livelihoods and local businesses cannot be understated," the local TD said. - READ MORE HERE