Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, agus go raibh maith ag an Teachta Ó Cuív. The Deputy will be aware that the staff of the NPWS has been working closely with Galway County Council on this project. The development of the Oughterard to Maam Cross section was approved by An Bord Pleanála, as the Deputy said, in December 2013. A condition of the consent was that prior to the commencement of the construction, the construction stage erosion and sediment control plan, and all method statements, would be finalised by the construction stage contractor, and would be subject to the approval of Galway County Council and the agreement of the NPWS and Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI.

In July 2022, a method statement was prepared by Galway County Council, which outlined the methodology for a topographical survey along the N59 Bun an Choill to Oughterard as part of the overall N59 Maam Cross to Oughterard project, and which was approved. Further method statements, one relating to ground investigation and a second relating to archaeological investigations, were submitted in September 2022. These are being considered now by the NPWS.

This is a complex case in a designated area, namely the Lough Corrib special area of conservation, SAC, which comprises 24 separate qualifying interests, including a number of priority habitats and European protected species as set out in the habitats directive. To ensure a proper outcome to process the development, and a review and improvement of method statements, great care is being exercised. Advices are being sought regarding a number of technical, scientific and administrative matters to inform full and due consideration of the matter, as is warranted.

I appreciate the Deputy's and the local community's desire to see the project progressed, but he will appreciate that we need to tread carefully on this, given the environmental sensitivities. I assure him that officials from the NPWS are working on the issue as a priority. I will ensure they continue to do that, and revert to Galway County Council as soon as possible.

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