Mr. David Moloney:

On foot of a judicial review into the River Bride scheme, the Department sought legal advices on the wider process for assenting to arterial drainage schemes such as the River Deel scheme in Crossmolina.

In response to the advice received, the Department undertook an additional period of public consultation, which was a requirement, as well as instructing further examinations to be undertaken by the Department's consultants. Acting on the independent advice of the consultants, the Minister, who performs an independent, regulatory function in this regard based on expert advice received, sought supplementary information from the OPW in quarter 3 of this year. I absolutely accept that it is a slow and convoluted process but we are subject to national law, EU law and case law in this matter.