Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2023
138. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the delays associated with the ministerial confirmation step for the Crossmolina flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1722/23]
View answerThe Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is the consenting authority for flood relief schemes which prepared by the Office of Public Works under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995.
EU Directive 2011/92 obligates the consent authority (DPER) to undertake an independent assessment of the Environmental Impact Statement for flood relief schemes prepared by the OPW. EU Directive 2014/52 which harmonises the EIA process and brings about additional appropriate assessment (AA) responsibilities to the consent process for flood relief schemes is aimed at providing a high level of protection of the environment and human health.
Regarding the consent process for the River Deel (Crossmolina) Scheme, an initial round of public consultation was held beginning on the 1st December 2020 and concluding on the 11th January 2021. Following this period of public consultation, my Department sought additional information regarding the scheme from the Office of Public Works.
The OPW provided this information to the Department in July 2021. Having received supplementary information from OPW, it was necessary to hold a further period of consultation. My Department facilitated a second round of public consultation, inclusive of the supplemental information provided by the OPW, which commenced on 6th May 2022 and concluded on 1st July 2022.
Submissions made during the period of public consultation are being reviewed with the assistance of independent environmental consultants and this will inform a recommendation on whether to confirm the scheme. The Department has been advised that this work will be progressed by the consultants in early 2023.
