Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the detailed reply. He has added many complications that were not previously advised. We were given timelines. I acknowledge the work of the former Minister of State, Kevin Boxer Moran, to move this project on and also the work of Councillor Michael Loftus from the Crossmolina flood action group. Since 1989, there has been four what were called "one in 100 year flood events." People in Crossmolina will spend from this weekend until next April or May with sleepless nights, watching waterlevel.ie. Every time there is a flood warning, they will worry for their houses, their business, their livelihoods and their health. This scheme has been beset with delays previously, including environmental delays. I also acknowledge the work of the local OPW team based in Ballina, which have moved this on as well. We cannot allow another winter to pass without giving some indication that this scheme will move to construction. This is a €13.5 million scheme in respect of which the OPW is going to carry out the work. I ask the Minister to take on board what the Minister of State said in terms of this being on his desk.

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