John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of other questions. Recently, I submitted a matter for a Topical Issue debate to the Ceann Comhairle's office, which ended up in the office of the Minister of State. The intention was to ask the OPW whether it would take the lead role from among a number of agencies. It was to do with works that are required at Tinnahinch in Carlow and Graiguenamanagh in Kilkenny. I received a reply from the Minister of State, and I appreciate it, but I wanted to raise as a Topical Issue rather than a parliamentary question. I want to explain to the Minister of State the reason for this is that a considerable amount of work must be done on both sides of the river at that point. This work will involve a number of agencies, including Kilkenny County Council, Carlow County Council, Waterways Ireland, Irish Water and, I presume, the OPW, because there is still a flooding issue at one point along that section of river. There is also the issue of the removal of sandbags that were put there to prevent flooding. Those sandbags cannot be removed because of the fact the flooding continues, and there is a fear that a house or two would be flooded. I am using this opportunity to ask the Minister of State again whether he will look at the possibility of the OPW taking a lead role in bringing these agencies together so that an overall plan can be put in place to deliver all of the work required under supervision. The river must be cleaned along there as must the eyelets of the bridges.