Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
66. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will consider reforming his Department’s function in granting consent to major flood relief schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52253/23]
View answerI have asked Officials in my Department to examine any administrative and legislative measures which may be taken to ensure that the confirmation process under the Arterial Drainage Act (as amended) is carried out it in as effective and timely a manner as possible.
It is important to acknowledge that the purpose of the Regulations is to transpose the provisions of EU law, giving further effect to Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU. Any reforms to this process would need to be compatible with the Directives to ensure that the environmental impacts of any flood relief measures submitted under this process are examined to the appropriate standard.
