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

First, the commitment of the OPW and Mayo County Council is well documented. I thank Deputy Dillon and other Government Deputies from County Mayo who have given their support to this. I have been to Crossmolina and I am aware of the difficulties associated with this. The scheme will protect approximately 120 properties. The town has been inundated several times so we want to progress it. As the Minister stated with regard to his role in this, however, the Department has to be satisfied that when he makes a decision on any element of this it has to be insulated against any potential judicial review. Unfortunately, judicial reviews are now becoming more likely so the decision has to be insulated against any such potential likelihood. I know this is a cause of frustration. It is a cause of frustration for me, the OPW and Mayo County Council, but especially for those who are being inundated time and again and swamped with excrement, sewage and every sort of filth in flood water. We want to deliver these projects to Crossmolina and all the other towns such as Bantry, which was mentioned earlier. The money for Crossmolina is ring-fenced, so it is not a question of funding. Once the scheme is committed to and can be delivered, we will build it with Mayo County Council.

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