Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This committee has tried to deal with the question of the number of bodies responsible for these matters. The OPW does not have the final say over what happens in many water courses because other bodies, such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, are responsible for them. This creates significant problems. Has the federation highlighted the issue to the Minister? Deputies have raised the issue because it is problematic that the National Parks and Wildlife Service can exercise a veto on whether a sluice gate should remain open.

In regard to works carried out by local authorities, in one case the local authority was required to carry out surveys costing up to €10,000 in order to progress a project worth €4,000. Even in these competitive times, €4,000 covers a small amount of work. It would amount to a JCB being on a site for several hours. This is an example of how ridiculous matters have become.

I come from an environmental background but the National Parks and Wildlife Service is taking its responsibilities to an extreme, which results in properties being flooded or left under threat of flood because works cannot be carried out in certain areas. I know of one area in which the staff of the local authority concerned are keen to proceed with the work and deal with the consequences afterwards. They are prepared to take the rap from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which seems to have the same powers as the Taliban used to possess.

Is the federation aware of these restrictions? They are impeding progress and had they been in place when the old Board of Works existed, half the country would still be under flood water. A balance must be found between protecting humans and their property and securing habitats for birds and wildlife. In some cases the prohibition on works has itself done environmental damage, such as wiping out the corncrake on the banks of the Shannon.

Which body does the federation regard as the most suitable for exercising overall responsibility in conjunction with local authorities? I agree that the buck has to stop somewhere.