Ms Clare McGrath:

The role of the Office of Public Works is underpinned by legislation, particularly the relevant 1945 and 1995 Acts. We undertake schemes for river or fluvial flooding. These are capital investment works and we maintain these schemes. Where we do work, we maintain the schemes. Separately, local authorities have responsibility for district schemes under different legislation. These are clearly identified. Local authorities have responsibility in that area and they are funded centrally for it.

In 2004 the Government produced a flood risk management policy document which set out the position overall on flood risk management. The document sought to identify roles and responsibilities in respect of the entire area.

In respect of rivers flooding and coastal flooding, the Office in Public Works had lead responsibility in terms of future flood risk management but co-ordinates responsibilities across a lot of stakeholders.

The Deputy talked about urban drainage. That is the responsibility of local authorities. If that responsibility is moving then it is a responsibility between local authorities and Irish Water.