Taoiseach Enda Kenny has denied that European laws have contributed to the devastating flooding. Opposition parties have criticised EU legislation, such as the water framework directive which prohibits dredging if it disturbs certain habitats. “Common sense” needs to be applied in the debate over dredging the Shannon, Mr Kenny said in Amsterdam, where he was leading a trade mission.
“The European Commission issued a formal statement just this week indicating that the directives, both in terms of habitat and water, do not prevent dredging and do not ban dredging. But it is necessary to inform them that works are going to be carried out.”
Opposition parties have criticised European Union legislation, such as the Water Framework Directive which prohibits dredging if it disturbs certain habitats.
Mr Kenny said priority had to be given to people and property. “It’s quite clear there is a great deal of confusion about the responsibility of the statutory agencies. That’s why I called them together last week for the first time.
“That’s why we’ll call them together in 10 days time to give them the terms of reference for the management of the entire Shannon basin, but it’s not true to say that works cannot be carried out where emergency situations warrant that in the interest of protecting people, their properties and their livelihoods. It’s case of common sense applying and we intend to follow through on that.”
Mr Kenny has conceded the Government needs to do more in response to the flooding. He is also committed to giving more responsibility to a Minister to co-ordinate the response.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has ruled out the possibility of the Government stepping in to insure flooded households that have been refused cover by insurance companies.
On a visit to New York, he said insurers had a commercial mandate to accept their responsibilities and not refuse cover. “I don’t believe that a State-run insurance system is the answer.”
The Taoiseach has called in insurance industry representatives to meet him next week. “I hope that following that meeting we will see a commitment on the part of the insurance industry that they will accept their responsibility,” Mr Flanagan said.
He added that the recent flooding showed that the State “cannot ignore the need for a long-term assessment of Ireland and its climate patterns.” re should be further investment in flood prevention given the State’s improved economic circumstances compared with five years ago.
