Vol. 574 No. 1
254 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the Clonmel flood alleviation scheme having regard to the long delay in returning the proposed scheme to Clonmel for consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26446/03]
The current position on the flood relief scheme in Clonmel is that the observations received following the public exhibition of the proposed scheme are being considered. The next stage in the progression of the scheme – submission to the Minister for Finance for Confirmation in accordance with the Arterial Drainage Acts – must await completion of this process. Following confirmation by the Minister a flood relief scheme can proceed subject to funding being available.
As the Deputy may be aware, I commissioned a flood policy review in November of last year. The work of the review group is now completed and will be submitted to Government as soon as possible. The recommendations of the review group will have an important influence on the whole flood management area in the future. The progression of the proposed scheme in Clonmel will therefore depend on completing the examination of observations received, the availability of the necessary capital funding over the next few years for flood alleviation schemes and the recommendations contained in the flood policy review.
Question No. 255 answered with Question No. 248.
