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

I appreciate where the Deputy is coming from on this matter. We work together and have regular phone calls on it. He will acknowledge our commitment regarding the money. Since I started in this job, the amount has increased from €40 million to almost €70 million, and we will increase it further to €100 million. However, spending that money can be difficult at times.

One could have an objection to a scheme or judicial reviews or all such issues that can hold up the delivery of the schemes. My Department is working with the local authorities right around the country. The Deputy himself can see that.

In particular, on the question proposed regarding the River Shannon, it is probably the first time in years. The Deputies will be well aware that many taoisigh travelled around the country on the back of a tractor along the River Shannon. Commitments were given and things done, and nothing has happened. Over the past three years, and particularly since I came into office, the Deputies will be aware of the risks with the high levels and what we have done to maintain them through working with all agencies across the Shannon catchment. Work is happening. They are up in Carrick-on-Shannon, as the Deputies are aware, and we announced its funding recently. Athlone is well on the way. Even in Portavola, Banagher, which has been talked about for years, the job is finished. It is done. As for the targeted maintenance, we received nine licences. We have done the work on seven and are back in there at present doing more work. We are actively involved with each one. On the question regarding the country overall, I am committed to spending the funding I have available but it is not always easy to spend all of it.

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