Flood Risk Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Questions (177)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

177. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 10 October 2023, the reason the Minister of State for the OPW makes no commitment to meet with the elected members of the Inishowen Municipal District, Donegal County Council, as they have repeatedly requested, to examine how the flood defence works at Burnfoot, County Donegal, can be more speedily advanced, considering that the Minister of State for the OPW stated that he was open to meeting the locally elected members in two previous responses to Parliamentary Questions on the matter. [44977/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I refer to my previous answer to the Deputy in relation to PQ 44403-23 where I provided an update on the current situation, timeline and progress of the Burnfoot Flood Relief scheme. The flood relief scheme must follow the process and complete the five stages which I have informed the Deputy of, significant effort is being made to advance the scheme as speedily as possible.

As previously advised quarterly updates on the advancement of the proposed Burnfoot flood relief scheme are provided to elected members of the Inishowen Municipal District by the Flood Relief Scheme Unit of Donegal County Council. It is my intention to meet with the local elected representatives when I next visit Donegal. I would also advise the Deputy that every effort is being made by all parties to expedite the process and ensure the scheme is in place as soon as is practically possible.