Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2023
158. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual cost to the Exchequer associated with the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2436/23]
View answerThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is the consenting authority for flood relief schemes which are 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.
The costs to the exchequer incurred by my Department in discharging this consenting function mainly relate to the procurement of independent, specialist consultancy services as well as any advertising costs expended to raise public awareness of public consultations which are carried out during the process. These costs pertain to the consenting process only and do not include the costs incurred to the delivery of the flood relief schemes themselves, which is separately funded and managed by the Office of Public Works.
The extent of costs regarding the consent process will vary in a given year and this is influenced by a number factors such as the number of schemes which seek consent in a given year, the nature of any particular flood relief scheme and whether further periods of public consultation are required.
A breakdown of the costs incurred under the Arterial Drainage Act consent process by my Department in the previous 5 years are as follows:
2022: €33,492.87
2021: €71,220.56
2020: €35,100.01
2019: €1,162
2018: €24,408.40
