Statement by President Higgins on the recent flooding across Ireland
Date: Thu 10th Dec, 2015 | 12:06
I requested a briefing this morning from the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group on the very serious flooding problems that have affected so many people. The rising water levels in the Shannon are of particular concern.
Seán Hogan, head of the National Emergency Coordination Group, has briefed me on the present situation and I have made arrangements to ensure that I am kept informed on developments. As the forecasts for the weekend are indicating that further problems could emerge for more people and communities over the weekend, I was and remain concerned.
Last year, visiting both Limerick and Cork, post serious flooding, to support those affected I saw at first hand the devastation caused and the serious problems created for people in their family homes and business premises.
I can also recall the wonderful community efforts ,which voluntarily emerged to assist the local services in responding to the flooding. People coming to the assistance of each other with a sense of urgency represent not only a great sense of care for one's neighbours but also the best of Irishness.
Among the many issues I have discussed many issues with President Cavaco Silva and Prime Minister Santos da Costa has been the plight of people in Ireland who have been hit hard by the floods in many parts of our country.
The Portuguese are no stranger to the damages and hardship that result from floods and the President and Prime Minister have both expressed their solidarity with the people of Ireland.
Renewed urgency must be given to the question of managing these events; events that sadly are going to become more frequent as rising sea temperatures and sea levels are expected to bring more, and more intense, rainfall in the decades to come.
As world leaders gather in Paris to decide on how to reduce the impact of climate change, all of us on this planet must up our efforts to reduce our contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and also look at our institutional and practical capacity to adapt to the present challenges which are recurring with such distress.
I send my sympathy and solidarity to all those affected and warmly commend the statutory and voluntary efforts being made.