Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
194. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans the Office of Public Works has in place to progress works at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon, in terms of appropriate assessment screening, planning permission and required legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35474/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoscommon County Council is leading the works to manage the flood risk at Lough Funshinagh. In April this year I met with Mr. Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive Officer, Roscommon County Council and locally elected representatives to discuss the outcome from the recent judicial review to the works by Roscommon County Council to protect properties at risk from flooding at Lough Funshinagh.
In May, Mr. Joe Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council and Mr. Eugene Cummins, CEO, Roscommon County Council wrote to me highlighting the policy and legislative issues that Roscommon County Council believes needs to be addressed to allow the Council pursue works at Lough Funshinagh.
As many of these issues fall within the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, I have referred these matters to Minister Darragh O’Brien T.D. for his early consideration and highlighted that OPW officials are available to discuss these matters with his Department and with other key stakeholders, as may be appropriate.
Senior officials from the Office of Public Works (OPW) met with officials from Roscommon County Council on 20th June. The meeting focused on identifying possible approaches to a viable solution to manage the flood risk at Lough Funshinagh. Further meetings between officials are to be arranged.
I have assured the Council of the OPW’s continued support for the Council, to find a viable solution to manage the flood risk at Lough Funshinagh.
