Mr. Jim Casey:

We have looked at a broad range of nature-based solutions. Some of the typical nature-based solutions being explored are woodland creation, attenuation ponds, wetlands, instream wood structures, peatlands restoration, river restoration and meandering, which is the same thing as the wiggling the Deputy referred to, flood plain enhancements and storage and sediment traps. The Clonakilty scheme includes a substantial upstream attenuation pond that has been delivered and is operating effectively as a flood relief scheme. It is probably the best example I can give of an operational nature-based solution. Of course, we will have more examples in future.

The OPW has interacted with colleagues in Scotland where a lot of this work is being done. OPW staff have visited Scotland over the past four or five years looking at some of the implementation. I referenced the fact the OPW has also funded specific nature-based work in County Donegal.

It will become a much bigger part of everything we do. I have no doubt we will be challenged in order to do precisely that. This ties in with the broader enhancement of biodiversity as well.