Vol. 493 No. 3
239 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if he will approve a further environmental impact study on the Arrow River in County Sligo in view of the necessary urgent work to be carried out and the fact that the work on the Owenmore River, which has already been completed, has been extremely beneficial to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15614/98]
Consultants commissioned by the Office of Public Works to report on areas in the Owenmore-Arrow River catchments in County Sligo likely to benefit from flood relief works identified the Owenmore River as being the only area where such works would be feasible from an economic and environmental viewpoint. Works were completed in 1997 by Sligo County Council with funds supplied by my office. The fact that the Arrow River catchment is of international ecological importance and listed to be designated as a natural heritage area — NHA — and special area of conservation — SAC — by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands precludes the implementation of any scheme of works in that area.
