A chara, – I would like to add my support to Declan Maguire’s suggestion (November 26th) that the Government add the savings accruing from the recent public sector strike to the meagre funds already allocated to help flood victims. To date the flood fund stands at a paltry €10 million.
According to Stephen Collins (Home News, November 25th), the one-day strike will save the exchequer about €50 million in public sector pay. The further one- day strike planned for December 3rd should free up another €50 million. The addition of this €100 million would bring the fund up to €110 million, at no further cost to the State. Is olc an ghaoth nach séideann maitheas do dhuine éigin. It’s an ill wind . . .
Also, in light of apparent lack of any ideas coming from Government, could I also suggest that the Government Ministers keep a keen eye on your Letters page for good ideas which cost little or nothing. – Is mise,
SEÁN Ó RIAIN
Gort an tSeagail,
Achadh an Iúir
Contae an Chabháin.
A chara, – May I suggest John Gormley use the Government jet and the Air Corp’s helicopters to photograph all the towns and rural areas affected by the flooding. Maybe, the next time a developer wants to build in these areas the photographic evidence might persuade him and the planning authorities otherwise. – Is mise,
LIAM KIDNEY,
Cornamaddy,
Athlone, Co Westmeath.
Madam, – Shame on Ministers John Gormley and Martin Mansergh for hiding behind the excuse of climate change! Flood plains are places where rivers periodically flood since the last Ice Age 12,000 years ago, a mere heartbeat in geological terms.
A 100-year flood event might seem rare in terms of a human lifetime, but 1,200 such events would have already occurred. Furthermore, a “100-year” event is the probability of a recurrence, not its periodicity. So, like winning the lottery more than once, a 100-year flood can occur two or even more times in the same year, however improbable that may seem. The only climate change to blame is the ending of the last Ice Age, for which people must be grateful, unless you like living in igloos. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – In response to David McGuinness (November 27th), regarding support for the recent flood victims, we would like to make people aware that the Community Foundation for Ireland, a charity focused on helping local Irish communities, has established a Flood Recovery Fund to aid all those affected by the devastating floods. The fund will focus on helping local community and voluntary groups already dealing with the individuals and families worst affected by the flooding.
The fund was established with an initial €50,000 given by the Community Foundation for Ireland and now we are urging businesses and individuals to donate what they can. Our initial focus will be to support groups who work with the most vulnerable in our communities such as the elderly, low income families with young children or people with disabilities. People can donate to the fund on www.foundation.ie or at any branch of Bank of Ireland, EBS or AIB. – Yours, etc,