Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will resolve the situation between his Department and the Office of Public Works regarding the official status of the Swan River, Dublin, if it is considered a drain or a river, as clarification of this matter is preventing progress in relation to flood protection alleviation measures and other necessary works. [10124/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I am not aware of any dispute between the Office of Public Works and my Department with regard to the status of the Swan River.

The river has, however, been the subject of discussions between Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works, whose responsibilities include coordinating the activities of Government Departments, local authorities and other bodies in relation to flood risk management.

The river has been culverted by the local authority as part of it's urban drainage responsibilities for the area, in effect incorporating the river wholly, or practically wholly, into the urban drainage system which was designed, constructed and is maintained by the local authority.

I understand that Dublin City Council is currently developing proposals for flood mitigation works for the river.