The Office of Public Works (OPW) has submitted the proposals for the Clare River (Claregalway) scheme for statutory approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as required by the Arterial Drainage Acts.
A report commissioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a required independent evaluation of the Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the Scheme by the OPW is under consideration by that Department. A decision on the approval of the Scheme is expected shortly.
It is hoped that construction works could commence this Summer, with completion in 2017.
I wish to re-affirm that the OPW remains committed to carrying out the scheme, subject to the Minister's sanction, and has provided for its cost in its multi-annual capital expenditure profiles to 2017.