Kevin Boxer Moran
Longford-Westmeath · Independent · Ireland
“I understand the Deputy's frustration and that of the people in the Gort lowlands. This is a very complex scheme. It is one of the most complex we have in the country. When we talk about swallow holes, turloughs and underground water, it is very complex. That is why we have the experts in the field working on this.”
“There has been a significant amount of public and stakeholder consultation for the scheme and Galway County Council and the OPW are presenting the emerging preferred option. The scheme, when completed, is expected to provide protection to 115 properties: 50 residential and 65 commercial.”
“This is a complex scheme but as the Deputy is aware, I made changes to the minor works scheme to allow local authorities to look at measures to facilitate them and the funding is there in that regard. That could be looked at.”
“I thank the Deputy for his kind words. The OPW does good work right across the region and particularly in his constituency, as he has outlined. I get asked to take over this castle or this monument every day of the week, and I do not have an endless pot to do that.”
“The Office of Public Works, OPW, and Galway County Council are working together on the development of the south Galway, Gort lowlands, flood relief scheme with Galway County Council acting as the lead authority.”
“It is not always the case that the OPW is delaying it; we are not. We are working collectively with Galway County Council in this case and with the people. We have had a number of consultations and I will continue to engage with the Deputy and others. I have been invited down to a meeting there shortly.”
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“The workers in the zoo treat all the animals with the height of respect and dignity. The zoo is essential to the people of Dublin and Ireland. I work closely with my colleague beside me, the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and other Deputies in the House in relation to Phoenix Park. I have control over the work that goes on. Dublin Zoo is a place I visit on a regular basis and I cannot but praise the people in Dublin Zoo for the work they do.”
“A memorandum of understanding was signed between the OPW and Dublin Zoo in 2025. Payments are made only after the zoo submits its vouched invoices and its works are approved. This ensures compliance with the public grant rules. On the Deputy's last question, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, is responsible for the licensed inspection of the zoo and the oversight of an annual inspection of Dublin Zoo. Inspections are carried out by an independent multidisciplinary team with specialist expertise. Not a week goes by that the Deputy is not standing outside the zoo with a phone. Does she ever go in? Has she ever gone in to see the good work the zoo does and that the staff do? I visited the zoo on the basis of some of the things that have been said in this House.”
“The projects which received funding in 2025 included: refurbishment of the 130-year-old South American house; conservation works to the old cottage; infrastructure and sustainability improvements; upgrades to selected play areas; and enhanced education and visitor experience. All funding is paid in line with public governance standards, including the relevant circulars. The funding is reported in the annual accounts of the Zoological Society of Ireland. The OPW has no day-to-day involvement in the operation of Dublin Zoo.”
“Dublin Zoo, along with Fota Wildlife Park, submitted proposals in 2021 seeking State support for ten-year capital development programmes. Following the Government's approval, the OPW provides capital grants to both organisations. These grants are funded through the OPW's annual Estimates. The funding is in recognition of the specific financial impact of Covid-19 and the need for continued investment in their infrastructure. In 2025, the OPW provided a capital grant of €2.8 million to Dublin Zoo to support a range of priority capital projects, aligned with Dublin Zoo's master plan for 2021 to 2031.”
“This funding supported the set-up costs of staffing, ICT, accommodation and procurement of relevant studies, services and expertise to develop hydrological models and staff capacity. The final element of the contribution was paid to Met Éireann in November 2023. The money may have been sent back but work is still going on to provide and bring this service that the people of Ireland want.”
“The Deputy said that no schemes have been delivered. Ongoing work is being done on schemes. We are protecting communities. We are giving the resources to local authorities to drive on the schemes. The Deputy knows that. I have worked with local authorities to push on schemes. With regard to the national forecasting and warning service, I understand that the unspent money the Deputy is referring to relates to the flood forecasting centre in Met Éireann and, as such, would be a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Separately, the OPW made a once-off contribution of €871,000 to Met Éireann to support the establishment of the flood forecasting centre in Met Éireann.”
“More schemes are being developed every day. Since I returned to this position, I have changed the criteria for the minor works scheme. The budget has increased from €750,000 to €2 million. I brought about changes to give the local authorities staff to try to drive on these schemes. I have changed how we deliver these schemes through the minor works system. The schemes are an important part of delivering.”
“I will bring the Deputy back to 2018, when I took up this role in the OPW. The first task I had was to travel the country. Many local authorities would not sign up to catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM. It was a master plan for delivering flood defence for the whole country. Having achieved that in the first couple of months in my role, I then had to go and get investment. With the Minister at the time, Paschal Donohoe, I fought tooth and nail to get €1 billion. That was the start of delivering schemes, in my eyes, for the people of the country. The master plan set out the areas that are hugely affected by flooding in the Deputy's area, my area and every other area in the country. The Government then backed that with money. We now have ten schemes at various different stages. Some are very close to completion.”
“Flood relief schemes are complex, multi-annual civil engineering projects and take some 11 years to deliver, which include bringing a scheme through development, planning, design, procurement and construction. The current position with regard to flood relief schemes is as follows: the OPW has invested some €580 million in 56 completed schemes that are providing protection to some 13,580 properties. The economic benefit to the State from loss avoided is estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. There are currently ten relief schemes that will protect over 2,800 properties on completion.”
“Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, the funding has allowed the OPW to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning or construction stage to some 100 schemes. Today, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or under way. The first tranche of new schemes identified in the flood risk management plans includes some 60 schemes that were prioritised, along with schemes already under way. The prioritisation of the first tranche of schemes was based on three criteria, namely, scale of projects, capacity to deliver the national development programme and the maximisation of return for investment in respect of property numbers.”
“To identify communities that are at risk from significant flood events, the OPW completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State in 2018. The OPW catchment-based flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme was undertaken by engineers and consultants on behalf of the OPW, working in partnership with the local authorities. The CFRAM programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of those at risk. A series of 29 flood risk management plans were launched in May 2018, providing the evidence base for required flood relief schemes. These plans are available on www.floodinfo.ie. The Government has committed €715 million to the delivery of these flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan 2026-2030.”
“I have met some of them and I know what they are experiencing. It is my job, as Minister of State, to lead a whole-of-government approach and help those people in the future.”
“I support them financially, so Members should not stand up in this House and try to blame the Government. Local authorities lead and we support. We have never been found wanting with any local authority. The issues are complex. I ask Deputies if they have ever gone out and looked at the development of a scheme and how long it takes. What is involved is enormous. We have the money now to hand and are working with these local authorities. I have introduced interim measures over the past number of months. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue said there was nothing for channel cleaning or blockages but I announced that funding last October. Local authorities can apply for it to make that work happen. I sincerely thank all the Deputies. People around Ireland have had an awful time over the last number of weeks.”
“In response, my office has published the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management 2025-2030. All flood relief schemes now require scheme adaptation plans to ensure they account for climate change impacts and can be adapted to future flood risk. Nature-based solutions are also being assessed as part of scheme development and through other delivery mechanisms. The OPW is working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to develop further guidance to ensure planning decisions properly consider flood risk and avoid exposing new developments to future flooding due to climate change. I thank Deputies for their engagement. I also want to say that a great number of Deputies have great ideas and have said a lot in this debate. Local authorities deliver schemes.”
“I expect to receive these plans in the coming weeks and will update my Government colleagues accordingly. Flood forecasting and warning are critical to preparedness. Stage 1 of the national flood forecasting and warning service was completed in December 2023. A flood forecasting centre is now established in Met Éireann, providing flood forecasts, hydrological data and daily flood guidance to local authorities and State agencies. Stage 2 is now under way and will focus on providing flood warnings directly to communities and improving the detail and accuracy of forecasts. Oversight of this work now sits with the Government task force on emergency planning, chaired by the Department of Defence. Our climate is changing. We are seeing more frequent storms and extreme weather events.”
“These are at Athlone, my hometown; Crossmolina; Glashaboy; King's Island; Morell River; Morrison's Island; Poddle River; River Wad; Templemore and Whitechurch. Once completed, these schemes will protect a further 2,880 properties and deliver an estimated €361 million in avoided damages and losses. Five of these schemes are at an advanced stage, with at least three expected to reach substantial completion in 2026. At the same time, other tranche 1 schemes are being actively progressed through design, planning and construction. Recent flooding, including during and since Storm Chandra, arose from multiple sources, including rivers and the sea. For communities awaiting major flood relief schemes, I have asked local authorities to identify all possible interim measures to reduce flood risk.”
“Preparedness means reducing the consequences of flooding through public information, planning and emergency response. The OPW plays a key role in co-ordinating measures to meet the Government's national flood risk policy, particularly in relation to flooding from rivers and the sea. The Government has committed €1.3 billion under the national development plan for flood relief schemes. This investment aims to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities at significant risk. Since 2018, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities, to treble its flood relief work. There are now approximately 100 schemes at design, planning or construction stage. There are currently ten flood relief schemes under construction nationwide.”
“In the lead-up to, and during, the flooding events, the Department convened meetings of the national emergency co-ordination group to co-ordinate actions across Government Departments and agencies. I have listened carefully to the valuable contributions made during today’s debate, and I thank Members for their comments. I will now address some of the issues raised and outline the role of the Office of Public Works in managing flood risk. Managing flood risk is a shared responsibility across government. Flood policy is built on three key pillars, underpinned by research and evidence. Prevention involves avoiding or removing flood risk, for example, by avoiding construction on flood plains. Protection means reducing the likelihood or severity of flooding, typically through physical works such as flood relief schemes.”
“This includes volunteers, particularly organisations such as Civil Defence, who have done Trojan work and deserve the Government’s sincere thanks. As Deputies will be aware, the response to major emergencies is carried out by the principal response agencies, namely, local authorities, An Garda Síochána and the HSE. Local authorities act as the lead agency for flood events within their administrative areas. At national level, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, through the national directorate for fire and emergency management, is designated as the lead Government Department for co-ordinating the response to weather emergencies, including flooding.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to come before the House today. Members have already heard about the important work being undertaken across government to address the issues raised in this debate. I welcome the opportunity to engage further with Members, particularly on the role of the Office of Public Works in managing flood risk in Ireland. First, I want to recognise the hardship and trauma caused by recent flooding. I have visited many of the affected areas and I understand the distress caused, not only by the flooding itself but also by the ongoing fear of further flooding. The Government is fully committed to taking measures to alleviate these difficulties and reduce the risk of flooding in the future. I thank all those involved in the preparation for, and response to, the flooding events.”
“I appeal to Deputy Cahill to go back to the local authority and sit down with the engineers to see whether a minor works or interim measures project can be done from an engineering point of view for the people the Deputy spoke about so eloquently. I will support them 100%. I do not want people to say that they need extra money but the Government is not delivering. It is not that. I have the money. I have a huge budget for flooding. The Government is very driven because we know what coastal erosion is doing now. Just out the road in Portrane, we have to try to deal with a very delicate situation over the next couple of days. I will work with Deputy Cahill going forward but I ask him to go back to the local authority and see if they can come up with a scheme.”
“I do not want to see people in Kerry or any other part of the country suffering. Since I have taken up this role we are at a maximum. We have never seen the like of it spent before. That is €102 million with regard to flooding. We have 100 schemes at various stages taking place at present. That has never happened. That is the positivity that is happening within the Government but the people that Deputy Cahill represents feel we are not getting to them or reaching out to them. I encourage the Deputy to go back to the local authority. He has seen what we have done in Listowel. We went down. There was an issue and we moved with the local authorities. We saw the results of that when we saw the finished work. I want to work with Deputy Cahill, I want to work with the local authorities but most of all I want to work with the residents.”
“I fully appreciate where the Deputy is coming from. When I visited Kerry, I saw this issue at first hand and I spoke to the residents who are badly affected by it. I have set out the changes I have brought about in the minor works scheme to go from €750,000 to €2 million. It is not about the money; it is about the local authorities coming up with a scheme. I encourage the Deputy, as I encouraged other Members yesterday in the House, to go back to his local authority. We are funding staff to the local authorities. We encourage them to come up with a scheme. It has to be driven by the local authority. It is not driven by the Government or by the OPW. We fund the local authorities. If the local authority comes into my Department with a scheme and it meets the criteria, we will fund it.”
“This includes all environmental assessments, planning consents, health and safety requirements and landowner agreements. I recently announced revisions to this minor works scheme, including an increase in the maximum funding under the scheme to €2 million. My office is finalising the details of these revisions, and I expect to announce these details shortly. The OPW is also funding three local authority staff in Kerry County Council - a senior executive engineer, executive engineer and a senior staff member - to manage the delivery of these flood relief schemes.”
“Applications under the scheme are assessed by the OPW having regard to specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria set out in the scheme. To be approved for funding under the scheme, these benefits from the works must exceed their associated costs. To date, nationally, the OPW has approved over €70 million for over 900 unique local flood relief and coastal projects that are providing benefits to some 8,000 properties. Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €4.2 million in funding to Kerry County Council for some 40 projects. Some €2.9 million of this approved funding relates to coastal erosion works and studies. Under the minor works scheme, it is the responsibility of the local authority to advance the works, once approved by the OPW.”
“I thank Deputy Cahill for raising this important matter. I am very familiar with the coastal erosion and flooding issues in County Kerry, having visited twice this year. Coastal erosion and localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for every local authority to investigate and address. Local authorities can undertake these works with their own resources. In 2009, the Office of Public Works, OPW, introduced the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake studies on coastal erosion and minor flood mitigation works within their administrative areas. This minor works scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved, and the costs do not exceed €750,000.”
“I thank the Deputy for the question. I have seen the footage on social media and a lot of people sent pictures to me of what happened in that area last week. He is right that there are interim solutions we brought forward, along with the changes to the minor works scheme. I say to every Deputy in the House that I need local authorities to work with me and my Department, and not come to the House to blame the OPW, although I am not saying the Deputy is doing that. The OPW feeds local authorities with the funding. The minor works scheme is there. It has increased from €750,000 to €2 million. That allows the places the Deputy talked about to come in. We will support them, but the local authority has to lead first. My Department has met with the local authority in Louth and spoken to officials, and another meeting will take place.”
“We will work together with the stakeholders to deliver for people and tourism but we have to acknowledge all the local groups and the work they do. I thank them for their work because the work they do along with the voluntary groups, particularly in the area in question, is vital to the economy and to tourism.”
“As the Deputy outlined, it is important that all the stakeholders come together. Regarding anything that comes from the stakeholders, my Department has always reached out and been supportive. I will have to come back to the Deputy regarding the castle because it was not in the question. I am looking at the issue of sites that are not getting the numbers I would like to see them getting. I call these the smaller sites. I want to see if we can work in partnership with other tourism sectors, so we can deliver more numbers into those key areas. Tourism is what keeps the country going at certain times of the year. In my own town of Athlone, I note the large number of people who, when the castle closes, ask me when it is going to open again. I fully understand the Deputy's frustration but, as he said, the OPW is doing good work.”
“In terms of tourism, my Department works closely with other Departments and Fáilte Ireland to try to promote tourism, where possible. I was the first Minister to allow kids under the age of 12 into all of our sites. I have also done a pilot scheme for under 18s, to improve the visitor numbers up and down the country, and it has proven to be very successful. In relation to the question the Deputy asked me about a longer opening schedule, it is something I will look at.”
“I agree with the Deputy in one sense but I would say that the OPW is very good and works very closely with all stakeholders in relation to the castle and the priory and all the other OPW sites. We promote all our sites very well. Last year alone, there were some 50 million visitors to OPW sites across the country, and no place more than the west of Ireland which got a lot of visitors. On the other hand, we have to supervise the priory. The Deputy knows the damage that has been caused. It would be a different situation if we were here this morning and we had not had the priory supervised and damage had been done. Then, the Deputy would be asking me what I was going to do about it. I will work closely with the Deputy, as I have on other things that he has raised.”
“The OPW continuously monitors the condition of the monument and, as part of operational planning, it will review whether additional guided or supervised access can be scheduled more frequently throughout the year.”
“During 2025, guided tours of the priory were held throughout the season from April to November. These scheduled visits have proven to be effective in allowing access while maintaining oversight of visitor movement within the monument. All access requests are managed through Athenry Castle, where OPW staff provide the necessary information, organise tours and co-ordinate visitor management. At present, the priory is not open for general, unsupervised public access. This position is based on a combination of conservation, security, and health and safety considerations. Since 2019, following incidents of damage and graffiti, the OPW has had to restrict casual access in order to safeguard the structure and prevent further damage.”
“The Athenry Dominican Priory is an important medieval monastic site and is a national monument in State care. The Office of Public Works, OPW, has statutory responsibility for its conservation, presentation and management. Protecting the fabric of this historically significant site while facilitating meaningful public access is a key priority for the OPW, and this balance guides all decisions around how the priory is operated. While the priory is closed to unsupervised access, it continues to be made available to the public through guided tours and supervised visits, which are organised and delivered by OPW guide staff based at Athenry Castle. These visits allow members of the public to experience and engage with the monument while ensuring that the site is appropriately protected at all times.”
“If we could get that over the line, it would be a huge plus for the local people in Midleton. I know it will not satisfy everyone because it is one section, but the changes I have made to the minor works scheme mean that Cork County Council, working with the Deputy and other public representatives, could move to drive more of the interim measures. I believe in interim measures. I believe that while we are waiting for a long-term solution, these are vital. That is why I made this choice.”
“Again, with regard to those areas mentioned, I changed the criteria in the minor works scheme, so it is up to the local authority now to look at interim measures. We have supplied it with nine staff so it is up to the local authority to look at those areas in question to see if we can help it to move on. In regard to Midleton, as the Deputy knows, we have done individual property protections, IPPs, and business protection. I know it is low but it is the biggest scheme we have ever taken on with regard to how many houses are affected and need support. Putting in the floodgates at the homes and businesses has been rolled out, as the Deputy knows, and it is slow. In fairness to it, the local authority has carried out other interim measures in Midleton and we are close to coming in with Part 8 planning in certain parts of the area.”
“When we go in and start the job, yes, we will leave Midleton in a much better place. People want to see that happening now but the interim measures, and the changes we have made to the minor works scheme, is a huge help to the local authorities. I will continue to engage with the Deputy, as I will with the people of Midleton, but, in particular, I will be driving on these schemes through the local authorities. I need more push from the Deputies to drive that as well.”
“If my wife hears I am going to Cork again, she will think I am either running for the election down there or I am having an affair. I will visit Midleton again because I am very keen to drive on the scheme. I have my Department working with the local authorities and the Deputies. As the Deputy knows, I have visited Midleton and nearly all the areas he mentioned. I have been down there twice and I am trying to drive on the scheme but the Midleton scheme is very complex. There are four different sources of flooding that happen in the one area. I understand and read what people are saying about the frustrations they are feeling. I understand it; no one knows this more than myself. It is about trying to deliver a scheme. We get one chance to get it right; if we do not, it will flood. This takes time and it is complex.”
“This forms part of the council’s emergency response to these areas. The council and the OPW meet quarterly with the local elected representatives, businesses and the community to keep them updated on and provide input into the planned works on the Midleton flood relief scheme and other measures, including those across east Cork. The next meeting will be held on 22 January. Cork County Council, with funding from the OPW, is introducing localised flood mitigation measures for communities across east Cork.”
“Advance works of €5.8 million at Midleton were recently submitted for planning under Part 8 and a public information day was held on 23 October. Subject to planning consent, construction works to protect 135 properties are expected to commence in late summer or early autumn 2026. Castlemartyr, which includes Mogeely, Rathcormac and Youghal are not in the first tranche of schemes being designed at this time. The specialised nature of engineering required means having trebled the number of schemes at design and construction to 100, Ireland is constrained by availability of specialised resources to commence new schemes. Cork County Council is rolling out a €5.8 million individual property protection scheme across Midleton and east Cork to some 725 homes and businesses affected by Storm Babet in October 2023.”
“Across Cork, nine flood relief schemes are completed. The OPW is currently providing funding to Cork County Council for nine staff for the delivery of 15 additional flood relief schemes across the county, which are all funded by the Government’s commitment to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the national development plan. Six of these are in tranche 1 schemes and are under way at this time, including Midleton. The Midleton flood relief scheme is due to be submitted by Cork County Council to An Coimisiún Pleanála in quarter 3 of 2026 and be substantially complete by 2031, protecting up to 750 properties that flooded during Storm Babet. Cork County Council, in June 2025, submitted a marine area consent application to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority.”
“I would say to the Deputy that, ideally, he needs to reach out to the Department of Transport working with the local authority to try to drive on this scheme that bit further. It is going on quite a long time but OPW has been to the front and centre of making money available to it. If it comes in looking for further support, once it comes under the criteria, we will gladly support that.”
“We have given it all the resources it required in terms of staff not just for this area but all the areas. The Deputy is quite correct and I thank him for mentioning what we have done so far in the different areas he came to me about in respect of funding. We have made that available but in this particular one, it depends on the Department of Transport. There is no point in saying it does not. It is either that or it is the local authority's own funding. As I said, we have made changes to the minor works scheme and we will work closely with the local authorities as we have but they have to come back to us to seek funding. If we can offer that support, if it falls within the threshold, then, yes, we will support them.”
“There is talk of putting in a sump and that needs to be fast-tracked but where the Office of Public Works, OPW, can help, we will help as regards the minor works scheme.”
“As I outlined, my Department has fully supported the local authority. I identified and read out the amount of money that was given. It is working with the Department of Transport in trying to deliver further for the local authorities. We have made changes to the minor works scheme. We will work with the local authorities to see where and when we can help. We have always been open in relation to Crookstown and the area. We understand quite clearly the level of pressure the Deputy is under but particularly the residents every time we have rain. It affects everybody. We need to work together and the Deputy has to reach out to the Department of Transport at this time because of where the problem is in relation to the road.”
“In its approval, the OPW highlighted these works are a significant interim measure to mitigate flood damage in advance of further works. While the county council has not drawn down the funding, it has engaged with consultants to design options for further works. While an option has been identified, the council is engaging with funding partners, including the Department of Transport, for these further works.”
“Cork County Council, with OPW funding for nine staff to support the delivery of its programme of flood relief schemes, is leading the Crookstown flood relief scheme. The minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short timeframe. The criteria for the scheme are under review, following the announcement I made on increasing the funding threshold that is to be made available under the scheme. The OPW expects to advise local authorities of the revised criteria shortly. Funding under the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme of €295,000 was allocated to Cork County Council in 2021 for minor embankment and improvement works, construction of flood defences, a storm water pumping station, new drainage pipes and associated works at Crookstown.”
“I thank the Deputy. I understand the River Bride overtops its banks upstream and downstream of Crookstown bridge. Flow paths through properties cause flooding to some 23 properties and on local and regional roads. The road drainage is unable to discharge to the river during flood events. The 2014 Lee catchment flood risk assessment and management programme studied the flood risk at Crookstown and did not identify a viable major scheme to manage that risk. It recommended localised flood mitigation measures be progressed through the Office of Public Works' minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme. This scheme does not extend to mitigating flooding to the road network.”
“It is not something on which to score political points because it affects so many people up and down the country, including in Donegal. I am saying to the Deputy to go to his local authority. A number of schemes are set out in Donegal that need to be progressed. We have the money to fund them but I need his help to push the local authority to deliver them.”
“The Deputy reminds me of a man at a council meeting who is getting all the issues in together. I do not blame him for doing so when he gets the opportunity. Every time I stand up in the Dáil, I have Deputies, like Deputy Ward, asking me questions. They look to the Government and the OPW to deliver. I have made changes to the minor works scheme to increase the threshold from €750,000 to €1 million. I have notified the local authorities. I put it to the Deputy that he has control to go to his local authority and put pressure on it to drive on schemes. It is not about this side of the House the whole time. We provide the funding but Opposition Deputies keep wanting to blame us. I am not accusing Deputy Ward of anything. I am saying to him that flooding is a huge issue.”