Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
229. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to the meeting between the community surrounding Lough Funshinagh and the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, if he will outline the progress to date on progressing planning authorisation for an overflow pipe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20121/23]
View answerRoscommon County Council is leading the response to the flooding risk at Lough Funshinagh, Co. Roscommon.
Under my direction senior officials from the Office of Public Works (OPW) met with officials from Roscommon County Council during 2022 focusing on identifying possible approaches to a viable solution to manage the flooding risk at Lough Funshinagh.
In December 2022 Roscommon County Council and the OPW agreed to establish an Expert Working Group to support and help to identify the pathway to finding a means of progressing a viable solution. The membership of this Expert Working Group includes cross departmental and agency representation.
The initial work of the Expert Group is to scope out the requirements for a commission to undertake the necessary surveys and investigations. This work is being informed by a review, by the OPW, of the evidence and research on the nature and functioning of Lough Funshinagh.
A Steering Group being led by the Council, with representation from the OPW oversee the work to identify a viable solution to manage the flooding risk at Lough Funshinagh.
I can assure the Deputy that I am doing all that I can to support both the community and Roscommon County Council in progressing this matter to find an effective and sustainable solution to address the flooding risk in the area.
