Flood Risk Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Questions (139)

Denis Naughten

Question:

139. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 14 January 2021, if he will review the scientific basis for not supporting the construction of an overflow outfall for the Lough Funshinagh turlough, given that Lough Funshinagh is one of the most significant sites of its type in the EU and is a priority habitat and in view of projections of more significant rainfall, particularly in the west of Ireland due to climatic changes that will have a detrimental impact of the unique hydrology of this particular turlough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3428/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I am acutely aware of the difficulties being faced by householders in the local area with respect to the threat of flooding at Lough Funshinagh. Policy and its implementation concerning flood risk management is primarily the responsibility of the Office of Public Works and the local authority and I understand that they have considered the options available. In the context of the designation and the emergency nature of relief works needed, as in all cases such as this, my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service stands ready to address that dimension, on request from those authorities.