Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. I will not repeat everything again. We all know it. There are probably many eyes from people with different interests watching this today. It is to be noted, and Mr. Kearney might comment on this, that the proposed pipe will keep the levels at normal winter levels. It will not drain the turlough. It needs to be made clear at this meeting that people are reasonable. I have said many times that there should be two different levels to select for summer and winter. In fairness to the people, they have agreed that the normal winter level would suffice to protect their houses.

How much land does Mr. Kearney estimate he would get back if the level was at a normal winter level? Mr. Fallon might also address that. I saw Ms Murray's email about an upcoming meeting on 10 November to provide an update.

If I can, I suggest the committee today propose that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine would engage with the OPW. The Minister was bringing the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Roscommon County Council together, and this committee fully endorses that, but I suggest we would propose and second, if someone does it-----