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Extreme weather events are increasingly inevitable, yet our level of preparation for them is farcical, writes JOHN GIBBONS

WHILE MUCH of the western seaboard is struggling to cope with the worst flooding ever experienced, a Galway County Council meeting this week heard a novel suggestion, tabled by a Fine Gael councillor. His proposal was that perhaps it would be a good idea to consider not issuing planning permission for new housing in areas currently under water. Myles na gCopaleen would surely have applauded.