Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Mairéad Farrell. She is correct with regard to west Galway. There was an unprecedented event in Clifden in the Deputy's constituency during the summer. I take this opportunity to acknowledge, as I have done in the Dáil, the outdoor staff of Galway County Council, the sister local authority in Clifden, for the work they did. Galway City Council is at an advanced stage with the OPW. The scheme will cost approximately €10 million. Design consultants were appointed in November 2020, as the Deputy mentioned in her comment on the CEO's report. The scheme is currently programmed to go to planning in the first quarter of 2023 with a view to commencing in the first quarter of 2025.

The Deputy has heard my frustration in the Dáil with regard to these matters. These projects take too long to complete. The chairman of the OPW is on the call. We are really frustrated by the length of time these projects take. The Deputy can probably gauge from the previous contribution of another Deputy and the interaction I had with him that I am very frustrated by this, whether it relates to projects in small urban villages in city centres or large-scale schemes such as those in Galway, Cork or Limerick. We can sometimes get to the finishing line only for someone to make an objection or an application for a judicial review. I know the Spanish Arch area of Galway well. It is very exposed to the sea, as is the city. I know the large inflated worm that is in place works but it is not a permanent solution. A permanent solution is needed. The business people and residents of Galway need a permanent solution.

The OPW is committed. There is money available. All Deputies online and present need to be mindful that we do not have a worry about allocating money for capital spending. I say to Deputy Farrell, and to Galway City Council, that, if we can shave off time in advancing projects, we will gladly do so, but we have to be mindful of the fact that if our detractors make accusations later, we may end up in the High Court. We do not want that. We have to make sure that everything we do is double-checked and triple-checked because I do not want to be here in 12 or 18 months time hearing someone suggest that what we did to shave off time was wrong. I will definitely get a more comprehensive response for the Deputy with regard to the Galway city scheme. I have committed to Galway County Council that, when the pandemic is over, I will go back to Clifden. I will also visit Galway city and I will invite all Oireachtas Members from the area, including Deputy Mairéad Farrell, to a briefing with both the city and county councils on flood relief schemes for Clifden and Galway city.