Mr. John Sydenham:

I will go through the series of questions that the Deputy asked. The overall scheme has been delayed for a variety of reasons. I think that everybody involved is seized of the urgency of implementing a solution. As has already been mentioned, there were significant environmental challenges as we went through the design of the scheme. There was a karst landscape which had to be looked at in significant detail so that we could make sure that the modelling and design of the solution was workable. That took a lot of time because, as I said, there were significant environmental challenges.

The scheme went to exhibition in 2018. It was then referred to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. That is the statutory process when we do schemes under the Arterial Drainage Acts. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform does what is known as "confirm" the schemes. That is legal approval and, effectively, the planning process for that type of scheme. There was a delay in that process because new EU environmental regulations had to be transposed into Irish law so that has slowed down the confirmation process.

The scheme was submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform who contracted in a series of consultants, as required under the new regulations. They carried out an environmental assessment on the scheme and then sought further information from the OPW, which we passed back in October of this year. Subject to the consultants being satisfied with that information and the scheme being confirmed, we hope to start construction in 2021. While it has been delayed, we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel and will be able to progress the scheme.

The Deputy mentioned our direct labour force. We have looked at using that. It is a scarce but skilled resource that we use on particularly challenging projects. It does save time. That is still under consideration in terms of the actual form of construction that we are going to use on this project.

On the question of interim solutions, the Deputy may be aware that there is a scheme under which we provide local authorities with funding to do minor works to alleviate pressing issues. We are very amenable to doing that in this area. We have also funded Mayo County Council to provide individual property protection to a range of impacted homes.

Flood gates have been installed at approximately 100 houses in that area and they are having a benefit.

We are progressing overall and the confirmation process should be completed shortly. We will then be able to progress to detail, tendering and procurement with an on-site start projected for 2021.