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

As I said, this is part of a process in which the Minister cannot interfere. I said at the time, and I reiterate it again on the floor of the Dáil, that the process is open-ended for very good reason. If it was not open-ended and a time constraint was placed on it people would also have a difficulty with that. They would say that because of the time constraint the process needs to be extended. The Arterial Drainage Acts are laid out in a manner which gives the Commissioners for the Office of Public Works access to lands such as lands owned by the ESB so that we are not forced into the situation whereby compulsory purchase acquisition and so on is necessary.

I know that people are very frustrated. I am very frustrated, as is the OPW. Tom Enright is doing an excellent job as chief executive of Wexford County Council.

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