Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter again here this evening and for his continued advocacy on progressing the scheme. While the delays in the delivery of the scheme are a source of frustration for the Deputy's constituents and all in Blackpool, as he is aware it is imperative that the consent process progresses in a manner that is compliant with the relevant regulations. In the period since the original consent decision was overturned following the judicial review challenge, the Department has undertaken a number of measures to ensure the process is in compliance with the regulatory environment.

This has necessitated the requesting of supplementary information from the OPW in order to ensure that the Minister can reach a reasoned conclusion regarding the anticipated environmental impacts of the proposed scheme. This process has been informed at all stages by expert legal and environmental advice with a view to ensuring the process is sufficiently robust in the event of any future challenges that may brought. I encourage all those within the locality who have views on the environmental impacts of this scheme to participate in the public consultation process when it is opened by the Department.

I will relay to the Minister and the Department Deputy Burke's call for an urgent move forward in terms of getting to that consultation and beyond. I know the stress that can be associated with past flooding experiences, the dread that comes with what might happen in the future and the sense of urgency in terms of being able to put mitigation measures in place that can protect communities against that. I understand, therefore, the importance of seeing this process expedited and moved on. I will take his views on behalf of his constituents regarding the importance of moving on with this process and having a consultation commence as quickly possible and relay them strongly to the Minister and the Department.

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