Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate and understand the feelings of Deputy Conway-Walsh's constituents on this matter. It has taken a long time to reach consent for this scheme because it is such a large scheme and has to be done under the Arterial Drainage Act. We have to follow the law. The role the Minister is playing is similar to the role of An Bord Pleanála. We are at the stage, having received final reports from the OPW, that those reports need to be assessed by ecological experts and outside consultants. That is required by law. They have been hired. Work will take several months to complete. When I have further updates for the Deputy I will make sure they are sent to her directly. I understand, from the point of view of her constituents, that this is causing stress and it needs to happen as soon as possible. It also needs to happen in line with the law.

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