Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies. I absolutely acknowledge the huge anxiety that the status of this project is causing to the communities both of them represent. It is only fair that I acknowledge that the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, has also raised this issue on a number of occasions in the same way and tone they have.

The length of my answer and the references I made to the many consultations and the legal environment around these flood relief schemes show how complex it is and how prone it is to legal challenge. We have to recognise the right to take matters relating to these kind of schemes to the courts. For all those reasons, I have to recognise the independence of the consultants who are doing this work on behalf of the Department. They are currently evaluating whether the information they have received will reach the threshold that will require further consultation to take place. I am aware of the concerns all the Deputies have around this process. While respecting the independence of what is happening, all I can do is communicate to the House that I hope the next phase of this process will be completed shortly and that I will receive an evaluation from the independent consultants. However, this is a planning matter. I have to underscore the independence of the consultant in doing this work and the absolute imperative of ensuring that due process takes place regarding this issue.

I again acknowledge the concern the local community has about the status of the scheme, but I will not serve that community by saying anything that will in any way give an indication that I do not understand and fully respect the independence of the process that is under way, which I do.

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