Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
164. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update in relation to a scheme (details supplied); when a reasoned conclusion on the environmental impacts of the proposed works will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8790/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the previous updates on this matter I have given to the House regarding the consent process for the Crossmolina (River Deel) Flood Relief scheme, the most recent on the 8th of February.
In accordance with the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019, the Office of Public Works has sought consent for the Crossmolina (River Deel) Flood Relief scheme. My Department has retained independent environmental consultants to review the submissions received during consultation and to carry out any necessary environmental assessments as required by EU Directives 2011/92 and 2014/52.
Following the initial period of public consultation held between December 2020 and January 2021, my Department sought supplementary information from the Office of Public Works in line with Section 7E(4) of the Regulations. This additional information was supplied by the Office of Public Works in July 2021.
The supplementary information received contained ‘significant additional" information in relation to the effects on the environment of the proposed scheme. A second period of public consultation was then held, in accordance with Section 7C(3) of the Regulations, finishing in July 2022.
In July 2023, on the foot of expert advice from the environmental consultants retained by the Department, additional supplementary information was requested from the OPW in order to reach a full, reasoned conclusion of the environmental impacts of the scheme as required by the Regulations.
This supplementary information was submitted by the OPW in November 2023 and is currently being examined by the environmental consultants retained by my Department. The supplementary information is being examined by the retained consultants in order to determine whether the information supplied is considered to be 'significant' in line with Section 7C(3) of the Regulations. The information is also being examined to ensure that it is sufficient to allow a full, reasoned conclusion on the environmental impacts of the proposed scheme.
With regard to timelines, it would not be appropriate to prescribe a timeline for a reasoned conclusion on the environmental impacts of the scheme to be made, as to do so would be to pre-empt the outcome of the assessments and examinations being conducted by my Department’s consultants. Next steps in this process will be determined following completion of this examination.
