Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his gracious comments regarding the Minister of State, Kevin Boxer Moran, which were echoed by a number of other Deputies this afternoon. He was an incredibly energetic and dedicated Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW. He made an enormous contribution to address the issue of flooding and in reducing the risk of flooding. Much of the progress we are discussing today is due to his efforts.

On the Deputy's question regarding coastal erosion in Donabate and Portrane, the OPW has and is engaging intensively with Fingal County Council on that issue. A long-term plan is being prepared to manage the issues raised by the Deputy and a number of his constituency colleagues on behalf of the community they represent. The OPW has informed me that consultation on that plan will commence shortly.

On the Deputy's question regarding the role of afforestation in flooding risk, he is correct. I understand that the OPW refers to this as soft engineering. With regard to the Shannon, the OPW believes work that has happened regarding the natural surroundings of the Shannon can be helpful in dealing with flood risk in the future. On the interdepartmental group, I recall the discussion on that which took place in March of this year. I imagine it is in the early phases of its work, but as has been the case with much else I imagine that work has probably been delayed due to Covid. I will get the information on it and communicate it to the Deputy.

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