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

Absolutely. I fully appreciate the sensitivity of these concerns to communities, which are looking to get protection and to see the risk of flooding mitigated. The scheme has already been subject to judicial review and demonstrates clearly the sensitivity and legal care that needs to be taken in these matters.

I find myself in the position of speaking while my Department has a regulatory and approval role that is scrutinised and of which I need to be mindful. At this point, I will simply recognise for the Deputy the importance of this scheme. Were I to say anything that would indicate that any procedures could be undermined or could not be followed fully in future, it would do a great disservice to the community that the Deputy is representing. I am fully aware of the concerns that exist. To try to respond to that, I will ensure that the right processes are implemented in as efficient and timely a way as possible.

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