Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
349. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to a previous parliamentary question of 22 September 2015, when approval will be given for a drainage scheme on the Clare River; the reason for the delay, given that the reply of 22 September 2015 stated that a decision was due imminently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38178/15]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has submitted the proposals for the Clare River (Claregalway) flood relief scheme for statutory approval or confirmation by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as required by the Arterial Drainage Acts.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has completed its consideration of a report which it commissioned on a required independent evaluation of the Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the Scheme by the OPW and its environmental consultants and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has written to the OPW advising of his intention to Confirm the Claregalway flood relief scheme subject to the agreement of the OPW to comply with the conditions set out in his letter.
The OPW has written formally to the Minister advising that the Commissioners of Public Works will comply with the terms of the conditions attached to his letter. As required by regulations, the Minister will be publicising his decision shortly and the conditions attached thereto and will also be providing information for the public on the procedures available to review the substantive and procedural legality of the decision.
