Local TD, Denis Naughten today asked the Taoiseach to directly intervene in the current humanitarian crisis faced by eight families in Ballagh & Lisphelim area of South Roscommon.

Deputy Naughten along with 6 other TDs from across the country tabled a Dáil motion seeking the establishment of cross-departmental and cross-agency task force to address emergency climate adaptation measures to protect homes nationwide, the content of which will be raised directly with the Taoiseach.

“The motion which was drafted on foot of correspondence from Roscommon County Council to the Government seeks a number of reforms to the current legislation, without which the only option that may be open to families facing the threat of flooding, where works impact on a designated habitat, is to have the homes demolished and the families relocated,” stated Denis Naughten.

“On foot of that I asked the Taoiseach to establish a national taskforce and set as the first item on the agenda the authorisation of flood alleviation works at Lough Funshinagh, Co. Roscommon, as a case study” said Denis Naughten.

Responding the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin TD said that he would examine the proposal and that he would consult with Ministers on it as he said that “ we have to move in a more proactive way” on adaptation measures across the Country.