Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her questions. I know that all of the projects to which she referred have been a cause of much local debate within her constituency.

The OPW does its best to get the balance right between facilitating public consultation and debate and delivering projects to reduce flooding and the risk of flooding. Both of those objectives also have public support. I know from engaging with the OPW that it wants to ensure we make more use of our natural habitat and assets in reducing flooding risk, but there are still flooding risks that require engineering and construction. The projects the Deputy has highlighted are examples of that. The OPW believes the engineering and construction work it has proposed is proportionate and needed.

I understand that a significant amount of work has now gone into the Bandon flood relief scheme. As the Deputy acknowledged, the dredging of the riverbed was a matter of debate and was criticised by environmental campaigners. Inland Fisheries Ireland has collaborated with the OPW on the scheme. The OPW hopes this project will be completed, subject to some High Court proceedings.

The OPW has also done a huge amount of work on the lower Lee flood relief scheme. As the Deputy will be aware, it is the largest ever such scheme in our State. It aims to protect approximately 2,000 properties. The OPW has done a lot of work to address concerns about its visual impact. It hopes to be in a position to move ahead with this project because of the role it will play in reducing flooding risk for so many homes and businesses.

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