Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has emphasised the escalating impact of climate change, warning that flooding and severe weather events will become increasingly frequent and more intense. These comments come in the wake of several floods in Ireland triggered by sustained heavy rainfall in October.
Notably, a bridge near Riverstown on the Cooley Peninsula collapsed due to rising water levels, causing flooding in Carlingford. Parts of Co. Wexford were also submerged, and the primary motorway and railway connecting Belfast and Dublin were both affected by floodwaters. Northern Ireland experienced its share of devastation, with numerous businesses in Newry, Co. Down, being inundated by floods.
Addressing reporters during the inauguration of the new Athy Distributor Road in Co. Kildare, Prime Minister Varadkar revealed that the Irish government has initiated assistance programmes to aid businesses and homeowners affected by the floods in Louth and Wexford. Similar schemes had been offered to those affected by floods in Co. Cork earlier in the month.
Prime Minister Varadkar acknowledged the importance of homeowners and business owners having insurance but stressed that the government steps in when individuals are unable to obtain insurance through no fault of their own. He expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the support provided enables affected people to return to their homes and businesses to resume operations. This is especially crucial as the holiday season approaches, as flood damage can be particularly challenging for families and businesses.
Varadkar pointed out the inherent unpredictability of flood occurrences in terms of timing and location from year to year. Nevertheless, he emphasised that the increasingly frequent and severe weather events, including floods, are closely linked to climate change. Consequently, he stressed the importance of strengthening the government’s safety net for individuals unable to secure insurance. He also underscored the need to accelerate the implementation of flood protection schemes.
The Prime Minister mentioned that over the past two decades, 50 flood relief schemes have been successfully completed, with an additional 90 projects currently in progress. However, he noted that these initiatives often face objections and encounter challenges in the planning process.
In conclusion, Varadkar emphasised the importance of carefully considering construction locations, as areas that were historically flood-free are now experiencing inundations, some with far-reaching consequences. Climate change underscores the urgency of addressing and mitigating these challenges.
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