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

There are two elements to this scheme. One concerns the culvert running through the centre of the town and the other is the flooding that happens from the harbour, which is part of the wider Bantry flood relief scheme. It is evident from meetings involving officials of Cork County Council and the OPW that the council is progressing the design of the culvert element via its own engineering section and consultative support. We will assist the council in that undertaking. Regarding the other element of the wider flood relief scheme, the formal process is being initiated in the first quarter of this year. We hope that will happen in the next fortnight or three weeks, once we get the statutory process started.

I met local representatives and some of the local community just before Christmas. They came out on the square on the day and it was evident that they understand that this work is part of a planning process. We cannot make it go any faster than it can because we are tied in a process. As to do anything that would subvert or usurp that process would land us in trouble, I cannot do anything that will interfere with it in any way.

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