Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I provided background information to the House to explain why the scheme has been delayed for so long, in terms of all of the hurdles the OPW has had to jump through. Every time we hit a hurdle, whether it is the pearl mussel, the Kerry slug or any other species that we have to put a framework around and design protection for, all of that adds to delays. The reason I am articulating that is to drive home the fact that we always encounter delays, and the delays can be unexpected. We have objections and judicial reviews. That has not been the case here, and I hope it will not be the case. We hope to get to a situation whereby we can carry out public consultation, design and construction. We have a commitment in terms of finance; that is not an issue.

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