Drainage Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Questions (374)

Dara Calleary

Question:

374. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform why the Office of Public Works will not engage in a clean-up of the River Deel, including the river bank, silt on the river bed and so on, given two major flooding incidents in Crossmolina, County Mayo in 2015 and the associated damage and considerable distress caused; if he will instruct the office to undertake this work as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15890/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The River Deel downstream of Crossmolina is part of the River Moy Catchment Drainage Scheme which was carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945. The OPW continues to have statutory responsibility for the maintenance of this scheme. Earlier this year the OPW initiated a programme of tree cutting from the bank of the river in this area. Further work will be undertaken later in the year.

The OPW is currently engaged in the process of developing a flood relief scheme for the town of Crossmolina. This area is not part of the Moy Catchment Drainage Scheme. The OPW powers to undertake maintenance do not extend to this area before a new flood relief scheme is completed.