I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
Submissions on hydrogeology were given in evidence to the High Court in 1999 during a judicial review action concerning the proposed road-widening scheme through the Glen of the Downs. My Department's officials met with Wicklow County Council officials and with engineering and hydrological consultants to address the concerns which were raised in court and modifications were made to the drainage system for the road. Among other measures a permeable layer will be included in the road construction to ensure that groundwater flow is not impeded. They were satisfied, as was the High Court, that the road design scheme will take proper account of all concerns raised and at this time have no plans to seek further advice on the matter. The High Court was satisfied that the issues relating to hydrology were properly addressed in the environmental impact assessment and that a valid environmental impact assessment has been carried out for the proposed road scheme. This position was further vindicated by the Supreme Court.
No additional studies or investigations in relation to this topic were carried out by my Department since that date but they will continue to monitor the scheme during the construction phase and will liaise with Wicklow County Council to ensure construction impacts on the Glen are minimised.
