Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2013
128. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure that the various complaints that have been made by residents in the Rochfortbridge area, County Westmeath, to the Office of Public Works are dealt with (details supplied). [30962/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the watercourse in question is one of the channels in the Rochfortbridge area that form part of the Boyne Arterial Drainage Scheme. The Office of Public Works (OPW) maintains these channels on a 3-4 year cycle and this channel was included in the maintenance programme last year. This work will have helped to reduce any potential flooding situation. Under its maintenance programme however, the OPW does not modify existing schemes but maintains them to the original scheme design standard. In this regard lowering the level of the channel would not be undertaken by the OPW as part of its normal maintenance works.
I am advised that the land in this particular area is prone to waterlogging and can become saturated after heavy or prolonged rainfall. This can, in turn, result in the watercourse overflowing its banks. The OPW will continue to monitor the situation at this location to see what, if any, further measures are warranted under our maintenance obligations.
