Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2015
194. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions she has had with agencies of her Department and the Office of Public Works in relation to the management of the River Deel, County Mayo, and on to the presence of freshwater mussels therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45488/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy may be referring to a proposal to develop a flood alleviation scheme on the River Deel. This Scheme is being developed by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The proposed development is located within and adjacent to a European site and various protected habitats and species therein are protected under Irish and European law, including the Freshwater Pearl Mussel.
The planning and environmental team acting on behalf of the OPW contacted my Department in 2014 seeking a consultation on the environmental assessment requirements with regard to this project, including an Environmental Impact Assessment scoping. My Department provided observations and information in relation to the environmental assessment requirements, including in respect of the Natura Impact Statement, which must be prepared in order to facilitate the undertaking of an Appropriate Assessment by the relevant consent authorities in due course. My officials met with the project team earlier this year to assist them further in their preparation in this regard.
In the context of the recent floods, my Department has been attending the meetings at the National Emergency Coordination Centre to contribute, as appropriate to the response.
