Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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If the Deputy is going to ask me a question, let me answer it. We have engaged with Donegal County Council and we want to support it. It has to produce a business case to us that will allow us to approve the appointment of another engineer who will be able to specifically work on this scheme. When that is done, the OPW will not be found wanting. With regard to the presentation where Donegal County Council said this is essential, that is stating the obvious, because the fact that it is in CFRAM means it is essential. We believe it is essential but we have limitations too. They are not financial limitations. There are a certain number of people with the skill-set, either in the private or public sector, who will be able to deliver what we have delivered over the last number of years. Incidentally, our output has tripled in the short term. We are now doing far more work on the ground. In 2023, our output will be even bigger. We have been frustrated and stagnated with a process that is not fit for purpose. The challenge I would lay down for this committee is that we need its help if we are to deliver to Donegal town, Letterkenny, Crossmolina, Cork city, Galway city and Dublin, which is at huge risk. This committee and all committees of the House need to radically change how large-scale infrastructure is being delivered because, at the moment, it is completely unfit for purpose. Too many people have too much of a right to object, slow things down, and inflict the sort of pain and misery that the Deputy has referred to on the people of Donegal.