Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the proposals to amend the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 to include additional waterways, including the River Erne system in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46987/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHistorically, the arterial drainage of river catchments was intended to improve agricultural land. In terms of beneficial objectives served, the arterial drainage schemes progressed under the 1945 Act, are providing drainage outfall for 242,800 hectares of agricultural lands. Importantly, there has been significant development in these areas since the schemes were completed and the land drainage schemes are now also providing a level of protection from flooding to property, infrastructure and communities, including in excess of 21,000 properties, 2,400 kilometres of roads and 77 towns and villages.
Arterial Drainage Schemes under the 1945 Act, include the Boyne, Inny and Glyde-and-Dee Arterial Drainage Schemes in County Cavan. Separately, parts of the Erne Catchment are a Drainage District. The maintenance of Arterial drainage schemes undertaken by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, is the responsibility of the OPW. Separately, responsibility for the maintenance of Drainage districts rests with the Local Authorities.
The OPW has no plans to undertake further catchment-wide arterial drainage schemes.
