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

As I made clear at a meeting convened by the chairman of the Enniscorthy municipal district of Wexford County Council, Councillor Cathal Byrne, and as the Deputy will have heard on the quays in Enniscorthy alongside the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, and others, this is not a question of money, so it is not fair to refer to it as such on the floor of the Dáil. The Deputy and other public representatives heard me say that this had to do with a planning process. I have outlined in the Dáil once again that the Minister has three options available to him under a planning process that is laid out in the Arterial Drainage Acts. The Minister must have regard to the Acts when deliberating and making decisions and it would not be appropriate for me or the OPW to interfere in any way with that process.

When I am asked a question as Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, it is important that I would answer it appropriately and accordingly.

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