News at One Minister James Brown
Jan 27, 2026
James Brown, Fianna Fáil politician and Housing and Local Government Minister from Enniscorthy. He talks about extreme local flooding, delayed flood relief plans and emergency responses. He also outlines new rent legislation, changes to tenancy lengths, rent resets tied to local averages, and concerns about landlord exits and housing supply.
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Local Flooding And Bridge Plan
- James Brown described long-standing flooding in his hometown and efforts to deliver a defence scheme.
- He said a new bridge will be built to remove the existing bridge and allow phase two of the flood relief to proceed.
Environmental Law Slowed Schemes
- Environmental and legal assessments previously blocked the original flood relief application due to EU rules.
- Brown argued environmental law, not local will, has often delayed flood defence schemes nationwide.
Open Aid Schemes Quickly
- Minister Dara Calleary opened the Department of Social Protection aid scheme and Brown welcomed the swift action.
- Brown expects a Red Cross scheme for businesses will follow and said local council staff have been working through the night to help people.