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

As was the case when another Deputy asked a question, I will respond in the same light. The OPW is at the mercy of a planning process and we have to adhere to it. We are the same as anybody who is applying for permission. In this case, we are applying for permission under the Arterial Drainage Acts and we have to go through a consent process. If we do not go through that process and have due regard to it, there can be objections, judicial reviews can be taken against us and we may end up in court. In this case, Mayo County Council could wind up in court. I have to be very conscious of what I say in the context of what I hope will happen. Obviously, I am very conscious of the fact that Crossmolina, Enniscorthy and towns all over the country are waiting inordinate amounts of time for these schemes. I hope the work will be done as soon as possible.

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