Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. I am obviously glad to hear the possibility of a judicial review is now off the table. We need no reminding of the disastrous impacts that the absence of a scheme in this area has had on businesses and residents. In that respect, I welcome the Minister of State’s statement. However, it is difficult to accept that tendering needs to wait until the third quarter, that is, July, August or September. I implore the Minister of State to do everything in his power to ensure this happens early rather than late in the third quarter. It goes without saying that the sooner work starts on the scheme, machines are on the ground and walls and embankments are built, the sooner we can give people the peace of mind they have not had for many years.

I have one or two questions on the process that will unfold in the weeks ahead. Will the Minister of State clarify if the remaining work requires the appointment of a new contractor or consultant to bring the project to tender stage? If so, will this add a cost to the scheme and how much will this be? Will he provide, either today or by way of written response, details on the total cost of consultants on this project so far?

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