Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the River Shannon and in the context of the CFRAM programme, clearly there is a huge impetus to protect the large population areas. There are many areas outside of that region that are rural.

What work have we done on that? Will Ms McGrath confirm an aspect of this work? There have been relative reports doing the rounds of an exemption from the CFRAM programme for the rural area of Athlone to allow work to be carried out independently. Will Ms McGrath clearly confirm whether that is correct or incorrect?

There is sometimes a trade-off in terms of the population areas. Has the Department looked at relocation policies for areas which, unfortunately, cannot be defended? I am seeking a clear indication on both of those questions.