Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Since 2018 when I was Minister of State for the OPW, we have tripled the number of flood risk schemes that are under way. Fifty-five have been completed. The OPW is trying to provide appropriate flood relief schemes. The Deputy will appreciate that these are complex projects with detailed stages that take years to complete. When I was first in this position and now, I have always pushed to drive as fast as humanly possible to deliver a scheme. There are constraints, planning matters and various stages that I have to comply with. I have worked closely with a number of local authorities up and down the county. I was in Cork last weekend.

If there are interim measures that can be done as regards minor works, my office is always there to help the local authorities while they wait for a major scheme. In the case in question, the matter is with the Department of public expenditure. As soon as the consent comes out of the Department, I will work closely with the Deputy to deliver the scheme as quickly as possible.