Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach agus leis an Aire Stáit. I raise the issue of flooding in Galway. I know the Minister of State is very aware of the real-life impacts flooding has had on Galway city and county. I raise the issue of the long-awaited flood defences that are to be completed in the Spanish Arch and docks area of Galway city. Flooding in this area has a significant impact on businesses in the area as well as on many residences, especially along the Claddagh. In November, it was revealed that Galway City Council estimated that it would be towards the end of 2028 before works were concluded in this regard. I understand that the OPW was to commence a five-stage process. The first stage was to be an environmental impact assessment and cost-benefit analysis. The second and third stages involved the seeking of planning permission and progressing detailed designs. The fourth and five stages were to involve construction and completion. In the chief executive's report to Galway City Council, it was stated that the local authority did not anticipate construction commencing until the first quarter of 2025 and that it could take three years to complete.

As the Minister of State is aware, this is a significant capital project which serves an environmental purpose while also having the potential to save homes and lives in the event of a flooding emergency. We know that capital projects will be crucial. The likes of the Economic and Social Research Institute, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and even the International Monetary Fund all tell us that expanding capital investment will be key to economic recovery as the pandemic recedes. Will the Minister of State commit to re-examining the timeline in respect of the flood defences in Galway city with a view to bringing forward the start date?