Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In terms of channel clearing, this year alone the OPW has spent €15 million, some €5 million of which was spent on the Shannon basin. In some cases the local authorities have responsibility for cleaning channels and in others, it is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works. The OPW funds the local authorities to clear some channels. There are channels which are not part of either of those organisations. The maintenance of those channels is the responsibility of the repairing owners. It is difficult for some owners to try to find a way of cleaning these channels. Under the interdepartmental group, we are looking at ways of helping people in those areas. There is an ongoing maintenance programme, and I am aware that in different areas works are being carried out on an ongoing basis. I gave figures earlier on the number of channels that have been cleared and the amount of money spent. The work is ongoing. Sometimes the clearing is taking place in areas where it cannot be seen by people. It is not like building a house or a hotel in a town where one can physically see that. Some of the work is hidden because it is taking place in a river, but it does go on. There are issues with regard to the environment and the habitats directive, but we need to work with those involved and make sure we do everything in collaboration and within the law.