Cork South Central Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer has today (Tuesday) welcomed the publication of the Management of Severe Weather Events in Ireland and related matters report by the Joint Committee on the Environment Heritage and Local Government.
“I welcome this report however the fact remains that we still need an independent inquiry to examine the causes of the flooding crisis. Both Environment Spokesman Phil Hogan TD and I were the first to call for this inquiry over seven months ago at the time of the flooding and that remains the case today.
“Whilst this report is welcome, it is seven months too late for those who have been affected by the flooding. It is imperative now that Government establishes an inquiry. Serious questions and issues remain unanswered.
“We need greater communication and earlier warning systems for both householders and businesses. If any good is to come from the flooding last November it must be a change in the way we deal with this kind of event. We must learn now so that we can plan for the future. The people of Cork deserve to know that in the event of a similar weather occurrence we are ready and able to deal with it.
“I will continue to push for an independent inquiry. The people of Cork need to get the answers they deserve”.